Ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, all the eyes were on Matthew Tkachuk, who was nearing a return. The Panthers star suffered a groin injury at the Four Nations tournament earlier this year and missed several key games for the Panthers. However, just ahead of the playoffs, he returned to practice, in the hope of making a comeback as the Panthers take on the Lightning in a pulsating round 1 playoff tie. Ahead of Game 1, Tkachuk has kept the words of the Panthers’ coach, Paul Maurice.

Recently, during an interview, Maurice urged Tkachuk to make a comeback in Game 1 against the Lightning. Maurice said, “He’s got to get through the morning skate tomorrow. We’re still monitoring his recovery off the practice. … We’ll see how he feels coming back tomorrow, and if he feels good, then he’ll go.” 

Indeed, Maurice has obeyed his coach’s demands and was seen in the second line during the morning skate line rushes, signalling that a comeback in Game 1 is highly likely. Despite being away for more than two months, Tkachuk is an important piece of the puzzle in the Panthers lineup. He’s a player who can make a difference and turn the tide of a game with his physical play, so his return gives the Panthers a huge boost ahead of the Battle of Florida.

However, according to the reports further, it is known that a final decision on his inclusion in the game will be taken at the time of the match. He will appear in the warmups, and then a decision will be made. While he hasn’t appeared in a game since the Four Nations tournament, the fans would hope to see him on the ice in Game 1 against the Lightning.

While Maurice has been quite vocal about Tkachuk’s return, the star himself has kept his fans updated about the status of his injury. A few days back, he opened up about his long-term injury and being away from the ice.

Matthew Tkachuk admits ‘brutal’ injury layoff

Before his injury setback, Tkachuk was one of the leading stars in the Panthers’ lineup. He scored 22 goals and 35 assists before a groin injury ruled him out of a crucial part of the season. However, it looks like he has recovered well and is rearing to go in the playoffs, hoping to get back to his best.

Talking about his injury setback, Tkachuk revealed, “It’s brutal going from such a high to such a low. Long days and grueling days, so I’m happy to be towards the end of that right now. Just trying to be a positive cheerleader for the guys. You want to be on the bench or be on the ice, battling with them. I’ll be in the room, strategizing, pumping them up. I watch all the games and give them as much feedback as I can.”

Game 1 between the Panthers and the Lightning takes place later today. All the eyes will be on Tkachuk, as fans hope to see the comeback star fit for action. Can Tkachuk lead the Panthers to the Stanley Cup title? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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