Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk returns to play in Game 1 vs. Tampa Bay

Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk returns to play in Game 1 vs. Tampa Bay

TAMPA — The Florida Panthers have been without their biggest star for months, but he is returning at just the right moment. Winger Matthew Tkachuk, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since the 4 Nations Face Off in February, played in Game 1 of Florida’s first-round playoff series against Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. The Panthers activated him from the long-term injured reserve before the game, and he was listed on the league’s onlin…

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The Florida Panthers begin their quest to defend their Stanley Cup title, a huge challenge that few teams have managed to meet in the modern NHL era. To achieve this, they will need all their key elements, including the enthusiasm and leadership of their star-attacker Matthew Tkachuk.For several weeks, Tkachuk's state of health has raised many questions. The winger had not played a single game since his participation in the 4 Nations Tournament …

He’s Back: Matthew Tkachuk Returns for Game 1 at Tampa Bay

TAMPA — Matthew Tkachuk is back. Surprise! Tkachuk will play for the Florida Panthers for the first time since getting hurt at the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off back in February. He had been on long-term injured reserve since March, but was pulled off IR on Tuesday afternoon. Tkachuk will start on Florida’s second line with Sam Bennett and Mackie Samoskevich against the host Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 tonight. Coach Paul Maurice had said Tkachuk w…