Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk says he doesn't play dirty anymore

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
June 7, 2024 (6:54 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

As the Oilers and Panthers prepare for game one on Saturday night, Panthers superstar Matthew Thachuk feel that he has grown as a player and learned how to keep his past style and annoying antics between the whistles rather than after the whistle.

It's a far cry from the player who was in the Stanley Cup finals last year when he was always in the play another teams faces after the whistle went. Many have felt he has changed his ways since he suffered a broken sternum and was forced to go through a grueling recovery along with trying to help his teammates win the games rather than being in the penalty box.

He has played seventeen playoff games and has scored five goals with 14 assists for 19 points and is a + 5. He's also averaging between 17 and 20 minutes a game.

The Oilers will certainly face their toughest test as the Panthers have threats on all four lines and even their defence as their defenseman tend to get into the play and score goals from the point.

But the Oilers have their threats to with two of the best players in the world ready to do battle against them. It's going to be a long hard-fought series and remains to be seen on who the victor will be but with the week to rest and prepare it's certainly going to be fun to watch.

Game one will be in Sunrise FL tomorrow Saturday June 8th at game time will be 8:00 PM eastern.