Tkachuk Sees Panthers as “Underdogs” Against Oilers
Matthew Tkachuk, a key figure for the Florida Panthers, has expressed his opinion on the upcoming Stanley Cup Final matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. Tkachuk believes that, despite being the current champions, the Panthers are in an “underdog” position for this rematch.
Absolutely. We will continue with that ‘underdog’ role. We’ve done it so far.
Matthew Tkachuk
The Oilers had an outstanding regular season, accumulating 101 points, surpassing the Panthers’ 98. This gives them the home-ice advantage in the final, which begins this Wednesday. Last season, Florida won the Stanley Cup in seven games, after overcoming a 3-0 deficit.
Despite their title, the Panthers are not the favorites for this series. Most experts anticipate that Connor McDavid, Oilers star, will lift the Stanley Cup for the first time. The odds favor the Oilers with a -130.
They’ve earned the right to play at home. They had a better regular season than us, so we’re starting in Edmonton. It’s nothing new for us. We’ve started on the road in every round of these playoffs. Hopefully we can use that experience to our advantage.
Matthew Tkachuk
This is the third consecutive time the Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup final, having lost in 2023 against Vegas and winning in 2024.
It’s the Stanley Cup. It’s the most motivating thing in sports. We’re not content with just reaching the final. We want to be a championship team, year after year.
Matthew Tkachuk
Panthers coach Paul Maurice agrees that the team is not content with having defeated the Oilers last season.
I couldn’t quite express the experience of last year before winning, and then it happens and you have this incredible experience with your group of guys that you care so much about. And then you come back the next year and you say, ‘God, I want to do it again.’ It’s a wonderful thing.
Paul Maurice
For Tkachuk, the Panthers’ success is reflected in how South Florida has become a hockey benchmark.
Hockey has become the number one sport there. It’s been fun to be a part of that. Seeing the growth since I arrived in Florida in the game, the fans and the rinks around, and what the new practice rink has done for Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, it keeps growing.
Matthew Tkachuk
Tkachuk recounted an anecdote from when he was traded to the Panthers in 2022.
I was picking up dinner somewhere, just at the hotel. I remember someone asked me what I did. I said, ‘Oh, I play hockey.’ And he replied, ‘Hockey? In Florida? You must be bad.’ That’s definitely changed since then.
Matthew Tkachuk
