Tkachuk felt 'back to normal' for Panthers in season debut

Tkachuk felt 'back to normal' for Panthers in season debut

NHL.com sports

Key Points:

  • Matthew Tkachuk returned to NHL action after seven months of recovery from surgery, playing 20:58 in the Florida Panthers' 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks, marking his first game since helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup.
  • Tkachuk expressed relief and optimism about his performance, noting improvement as the game progressed and emphasizing the urgency for the Panthers to start winning immediately to improve their standings.
  • The Panthers currently sit four points behind the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, facing a challenging playoff chase, with Tkachuk's return seen as a crucial boost to the team's competitiveness.
  • Coach Paul Maurice and teammates praised Tkachuk's skills and impact, highlighting his readiness and the importance of