Sunrise, Fla. – Matthew Tokachuk’s current heater is not noticed.
On Monday, the Florida Panthers star winger was named the NHL’s third Star of the Week after scoring seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in three games in the week that ended February 9th .
The other stars were Brandon Hagel (First Star) of Tampa Bay and Thatcher Demco (Second Star) of Vancouver.
Overall, Tkachuk finished first in the NHL with goals (4) and second in points (7) last week.
“He’s a driver,” teammate Sam Reinhardt said of Tkachuk. “When he’s going that way, he’s a heartbeat. When the moment grows, he seems to stand up at the opportunity.”
After litting the ramp with a 6-3 defeat in Washington to start the week on Tuesday, Tkachuk played the role of hero in a thrilling 3-2 victory in his hometown of St. Louis on Thursday.
Tkachuk scored a game-winning goal with just 11.8 seconds left in regulation, getting all three goals against the Blues and securing two points for the Panthers.
“He’s rolling,” coach Paul Maurice said after the victory. “Hopefully he can continue with it.”
He did.
Stitching together another three-point performance, Tkachuk registered a goal and two assists in a 5-1 victory for Sunrise brother Brady and the Senator on Saturday.
After the second week, the Panthers led the Atlantic Division 34-20-3.
“We are definitely pleased with the way we enter the break,” said Tkachuk, who will serve as Team USA’s alternative captain in the upcoming four-country showdown. “I think it’s a great time for us.”
In 52 games this season, Tkachuk has 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists).
