Matthew Tkachuk may not have come up with the goods in the playoffs’ 2nd round, but psychologically, the guy is always zoned in. And the Panthers’ alternate captain is back at it again. This time, the target is the Carolina Hurricanes, and he is not being subtle at all. But they have a reason, somewhat. So, what’s it all about, you are probably wondering?

The Hurricanes’ pre-game presser for the conference round is facing an unusual disruption. The senior NHL writer at ESPN, Greg Wyshynski, made the most peculiar tweet on May 20. “The press conference area in Raleigh is located right by the Panthers workout area. Separated by a curtain. Matthew Tkachuk has been hurling a ball loudly against a wall ever since a Taylor Hall/Jordan Staal press conference started. @FlaPanthers @Canes.”

What can you make of it? Are the Panthers trying to get in the Hurricanes’ heads? Well, doing that this way, by hampering the opponent’s press conference, would be too on the nose. Actually, on the contrary, the defending Stanley Cup champs have their grievances. It all started with the Panthers objecting to the NHL pregame and postgame presser being organized “literally in their gym,” as per The Athletic writer Michael Russo.

The issue is related to the recent renovation operations that have started in and around the Lenovo Center. As part of the billion-dollar plan, the media room will also undergo a revamp, and so, for now, it is inaccessible. And where has the NHL decided to set up the temporary conference area? Right where the Panthers aren’t liking it. Maybe the defending Stanley Cup Champions are feeling that the constant disruption created by the media people will hamper their preparations.

Moreover, such proximity will give rather easy access to any private and confidential planning that would make Paul Maurice’s men concede advantage to their opponents. Oh no, they won’t entertain that. So, when the NHL didn’t pay heed to their complaints and make any changes, it was time for the Panthers forward to take it up a notch. As Michael Russo’s tweet read, “Matthew Tkachuk started slamming the medicine ball against the wall the second the Jordan Staal/Taylor Hall presser starts.”

Well, maybe the Panthers have a point here. And Matthew Tkachuk definitely looks to be in no mood to play around.

Matthew Tkachuk got his game face on for the Carolina clash

The Panthers have proved their champion mentality, and definitely Matthew Tkachuk, even when he’s not exactly in the greatest of form. The best aspect of the team is that they are not resting on their laurels. They could have slowed down, being Stanley Cup Champions and all. But no, the Panthers have knocked out cross-state rivals Tampa Bay Lightning. Then they took down the Maple Leafs. And now, it’s the Hurricanes.

Tkachuk has played his part in the playoffs, chipping in with 3 goals and 6 assists in 12 games. And the key thing about this clash? The Hurricanes know Matthew Tkachuk and what he did in 2023. 4 goals and 1 assist as the Cats did a clean sweep of the Hurricanes. That means the Lenovo Center is quite familiar with Tkachuk’s puck play and how lethal he can be.

Even when he is not, he is still an asset on the ice. And that’s coming from Aaron Ekblad. So that’s something. “He brings a lot to the table even when he’s not scoring or getting points. He’s being physical; he’s a bench presence; he’s a little thorn in the other team’s side, so we appreciate everything he does.” Just take the conference event nuisance for instance. Tkachuk is always ready to throw it down for his team.

And let’s see if the Hurricanes series gets the forward in form. Boy, will that make the Panthers the obvious favorites for the Cup!