Coach Paul Maurice Gets Serious About Matthew Tkachuk Not at 100% in Florida-Toronto Battle

Though Matthew Tkachuk started this playoff series on a super high note, scoring two goals and an assist in Florida’s very first game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, despite having just returned from an injury he suffered during the Four Nations Face-Off, things seem to have since stagnated for the star, and coach Paul Maurice has some thoughts on the same.

In a recent postgame interview, Maurice responded to a reporter’s query about Maurice having not yet scored in the current round 2 series where Florida has been facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Maurice said, “Well, I just feel the same way that I feel about Barkov or, you know, we’ve got two other guys, let’s say Reinhardt instead. Whether guys, whether a guy scores or not, sometimes it’s either a great save or a little bit of a block or a bit of a deflection. Their game could almost be identical to the nights that they are scoring; it’s just sometimes it goes in for them, and I would say that’s different than a guy on the fourth line, you know.” Maurice interestingly holds his first and second lines to different scoring standards than his fourth line; given the level of skill up front, the blocks or lack of goals can often be attributed to good defense rather than a lack of shots.

Paul Maurice went on to contextualize Matthew Tkachuk’s slight scoring drought by bringing Auston Matthews and Sam Reinhardt into the picture, adding, “The guys who score in the 50s or 60s, they’re getting their looks; they’re getting the same shots. Rhyno’s had a bunch he’s missed. Um, Auston Matthews, I feel the same way when I watch the video. He’s got the puck on his stick… I’m not feeling very good about it behind the bench… doesn’t go I feel a lot better about it. Just opposite emotions for Sam Reinhardt; he cracked that bar last night on the power play. they’re playing the same game it’s inevitable for both players—they’re both going to score.” All in all, indicating that the lack of pocketed goals says little about a player’s ability and more about the factors surrounding the shot. Still, some of this might just be diplomatic deflection, given that Matthew Tkachuk has not been himself these last few matches, somewhat receding into the background.

What’s going on with Matthew Tkachuk in round two of this playoff series?

Matthew Tkachuk is known for his scoring abilities and physical play, yet in round two of this playoff series, his presence is hardly felt. Despite having scored 22 goals in the games that he was able to play in the regular season, Tkachuk has netted 0 pucks in round 2. Perhaps this has something to do with him missing that Sunday practice before the start of the series?

As many well know by now, Matthew Tkachuk suffered a severe groin injury during the Four Nations Face-Off in February, which required him to be on injury reserve leading right up to the playoffs. Tkachuk ended up missing the Panthers’ last 25 games of the regular season (hence only 22 goals) and Maurice was unsure he’d be able to make it to the playoffs till the nth minute. However, now he has and now things are looking a little uncertain all over again.

However, we’ll know the status of things soon enough. With Toronto scheduled to play the Panthers in a few hours at the Amerant Bank Arena, Matthew Tkachuk will either have to net one or remain under injury speculation, leaving fans guessing as to the true nature of his injury and if he will be able to regain his prior shape this season at all.