The Florida Panthers managed to secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup title after a 5–1 win at home last night, taking the series 4–2. But as always, the finals were a hard-fought battle, and the players did everything they could to get under their opponents’ skin. Afterwards, however, both teams shook hands, and in a postgame interview, Matthew Tkachuk showed some true sportsmanship regarding Connor McDavid. But he also ignited some speculations about his future…
During the playoffs—and the final specifically—both teams really tried to do everything they could to gain a slight edge over their opponents. Heavy hits, the not-so-occasional cheap shot, and not to forget, the chirping, which apparently reached new levels during this year’s Stanley Cup Final. Not very surprising, given the players involved.
World class chirper
Matthew Tkachuk is one of the toughest players to face, always bringing a lot of intensity and physicality to the ice. On top of that, he’s a world-class chirper and a great goal scorer. Unsurprisingly, he has been one of the leading Panthers since joining them from the Calgary Flames in 2022. But when it’s all said and done, he also proves that he is a true gentleman of the game.
Matthew Tkachuk about Connor McDavid
In a postgame interview, Tkachuk shared his thoughts on the heartbroken Connor McDavid, who lost his second Stanley Cup Final in a row.
“When you have a player that good and that talented, he’s going to win one day. Wherever it is,” he said, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston—praising his opponent while also opening the door to speculation about McDavid’s future with the Oilers.
McDavid has one year left on his eight-year, $100 million contract, and with his second straight Stanley Cup final loss, speculations are to be expected this summer.
READ MORE: Connor McDavid’s first words after Stanley Cup loss
