Matthew Tkachuk is a savage. Both on and off the ice. There is no denying that fact. It’s a big part of why Florida Panthers fans love him, and the majority of other NHL fans loathe him.
Tkachuk has never shied away from this persona. In fact, he seems to embrace it more as time goes on. He understands his role. Much like the WWE, the NHL can use a good heel character, and Tkachuk has no problem playing the villain.
During the latest Battle of Florida series between the Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, Tkachuk played a pivotal role on the ice. Not only did he score three goals and add two assists, but he was an agitator.
He was often in the mix in the various on-ice scrums and assessed 11 minutes in penalties, including a five-minute major for his Game 3 hit on Jake Guentzel.
Cutting a promo
Like any good heel, Tkachuk often likes to stoke the fires of anger with the occasional troll or flippant comment. There was no better example of this than after Florida’s series clinching victory on Saturday.
Tkachuk was asked postgame, “To win a series like this, but to have it be a rivalry series at that means what to your team?”
After chuckling at the question (a Tkachukle?) Tkachuk dismissed the insinuation. “I don’t know if it’s really a rivalry,” Tkachuk replied. He added, “It’s nice to beat them back-to-back years, both in 5.”
Ouch. Tampa Bay Lightning fans and Florida haters won’t appreciate Tkachuk’s tone or comments. Fortunately for Cats fans, Tkachuk isn’t concerned about winning any popularity contests. His swagger, demeanor, and playing style has helped mold the Panthers into the dominant team they have become.
Matthew Tkachuk should never change. It’s what makes a great heel. What also makes a heel so unlikable is when they have the success to back up their trash talk. With a Stanley Cup to his name, and hopefully more to come, Tkachuk can be the villain of the NHL for years to come. That can only be a good thing for South Florida.