Sam Bennett was called for a controversial goalie interference penalty after falling on Stuart Skinner. But it was what happened immediately afterward that had fans talking. Matthew Tkachuk did something in the penalty box that sparked widespread reaction—and heavy criticism from analysts.
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers had it all. The first period featured five goals, and the teams couldn’t be separated in regulation after Corey Perry tied the game 4–4 with just 18 seconds left. Brad Marchand scored his second of the night in double overtime to even the series at 1–1, as the action now shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4. And the excitement isn’t slowing down.
The Oilers and Panthers have built up quite the rivalry following their Finals showdown last year. This year’s matchup, like the last, has already included several controversial incidents and tough battles—and Game 2 was no exception. In the first period, with the score tied 2–2, Sam Bennett fell on Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner and was penalized for goalie interference.
Some argued that Mattias Ekholm had shoved Bennett, suggesting he didn’t deserve a penalty. But shortly after the incident, Matthew Tkachuk was also sent to the box for roughing. And once inside, he did something that drew even more attention.
Matthew Tkachuk slammed
Matthew Tkachuk was seen enthusiastically tapping Bennett on the shoulder several times, clearly signaling approval for his actions. On the Sportsnet panel, Tkachuk was heavily criticized by analyst Kelly Hrudey, a former NHL goalie.
“He’s going to say that Ekholm pushes him down there. I didn’t see that, but hey, we love Bennett for all the things he does. This—I can live with it. It is a penalty, and we accept that. That’s what Bennett does,” Hrudey said.
“We know what Tkachuk does. But watch this—this is over the top for me. Way too many taps. Take your stick, tap him on the shin pads once or twice—that’s fine. That’s not unsportsmanlike. But this? That’s karma when Edmonton went out and scored after that.”
Kevin Bieksa agreed that Matthew Tkachuk knew exactly what he was doing with the shoulder taps.
“He wanted everyone to see that,” Bieksa said.
“He wanted to say, ‘Hey, I know you got a penalty, but good job. That’s how we play.’”
READ MORE: Brad Marchand’s mom’s wholesome reaction to Game 2 OT goal
