After Sebastian Aho’s hit sent Sam Reinhart out of Game 2, Matthew Tkachuk made sure that the Canes forward was paid back in kind. During the third period of the following game, Tkachuk was seen pushing and shoving Aho, before slamming him onto the boards and ultimately taking him down on the ice for a full-fledged brawl. Of course, he got sent to the penalty box for the offence. But his games did not stop.

From the penalty box, too, Tkachuk could be seen chirping Aho. At one point, the camera caught Tkachuk pointing to his temple as he glared at Aho, as if to say, ‘you better keep your look out.’ Of course, as it so often happens with Tkachuk, his antics caught the media’s attention. And when a reporter asked Tkachuk how he manages to balance trying to get a mental or a physical edge over his opponents and trying to win games day in and day out, Tkachuk’s answer brought out the devotion he carries for his team.

“Our team will stick up for each other, and we’ve got a great bond in that room. We’ve gone through so much this year and years prior to that, you know? We’ve become a family,” Matthew Tkachuk told the media. And it’s this bond and working toward the common goal of winning the Stanley Cup that’s kept the NHL forward focused even during pressure. The goal is to win it all.

When asked about his “game within the game,” aka Tkachuk’s own mindset and approach, the hockey player said he had none. Rather, it was all about what everyone in the locker room wanted. “The only game is the one out there. Just got to win it, move on,” the Scottsdale, Arizona, native added. And just like Tkachuk relies on his teammates, they look to him for leadership.

In Game 5, the Canes took a comfortable 2-goal early lead, but it didn’t last, as Matthew Tkachuk ignited the Cats’ comeback in the second period. The Panthers’ alternate captain became part of the traffic in the front of the Canes’ net at the right time. So when Aaron Ekblad ripped a shot toward the net, Tkachuk was there to masterfully tip the puck into the net. That was the first nail in the coffin that is the Canes’ Stanley Cup hopes. No wonder captain Aleksander Barkov has nothing but praise for him.

Even team captain Aleksander Barkov praised Matthew Tkachuk and his contributions to help the Panthers shine, time and again. “He’s one-of-a-kind player, and we’re lucky to have him on our side. He does it all for us. He’s huge for us,” Barkov said when Tkachuk took the initiative to help the Panthers win Game 2 against Carolina by scoring two points. What’s more? The Cats’ alternate captain has put aside personal achievements for the ultimate goal.

Matthew Tkachuk is not in it for personal glory

While the Florida Panthers have been among the highest scoring teams in the playoffs, Tkachuk faced a long goal drought. The NHL forward didn’t score any goals between Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Game 2 against the Hurricanes. Naturally, the media asked questions about his goal scoring, or lack thereof. His repose was priceless.

“We’re up 2-0. I do not care how we get there,” Matthew Tkachuk said about their series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Then came the punchline. “I’ve never cared. Sometimes it’s nice to go in, but it is what it is sometimes. I’m not Ovechkin, so they’re not always going to go in,” added Brady Tkachuk’s brother. It’s the same thought process Tkachuk discussed in the pre-game presser.

Tkachuk didn’t exaggerate when saying he never cared for scoring goals if his team didn’t succeed. So helping his team succeed comes first for Matthew Tkachuk. “He’s able to be an agitator without taking penalties. That’s huge for us. A skilled guy who can play in all different types of games,” A.J. Greer said as a testament to Tkachuk’s selfless play after Game 2.

The defending champions will now prepare to face the winners of the Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars series. Yet, no matter who they face, Tkachuk will once again put the Panthers before his personal glory.