FORT LAUDERDALE – With final testing in progress, the Florida Panthers hope to take a more clearer photo of Matthewt Kachuk’s recovery timeline at some point Monday.
“Today is the day,” coach Paul Maurice said after practicing at the Baptist Health Iceplex.
To deal with lower body injuries, Tkachuk has been suffering since his second match for the 4 Nations since he missed the final 12:36 of his 3-1 victory in Team USA in Canada.
After going out to the final round robin match, Tkachuk took the ice at just 6:47 in a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations face-off championship game on Thursday.
His final shift came with 3:22 left in the second term.
There was one report going around a round over social media that Tkachuk’s injury could cost him a season, but Maurice shot down the concept after practice Monday.
“He’ll play again this season,” the Panthers bench boss said.
There is always a good reason for not jumping to conclusions.
“Before we get the report, we blur all of this because there’s always every chance, right?” Maurice said.
Tkachuk was in absolute tears before getting injured, sitting second for the Panthers with 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) this season.
The 27-year-old forward tallied 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) during that hot stretch.
Tkachuk is still on his six-game winning streak.
In his absence, the Panthers know that it will make the team’s efforts to fill the void.
“Everyone has a little more opportunity, and you have to make the most of it,” Forward Jesper Bokvist said. “I feel like there are a few people ready. It obviously sucks out of losing such Chucky (Tkachuk) and hopefully he’ll be back to us soon.”
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Tkachuk’s status over the next few days.
Luastalinen is back
In addition to Tkachuk, the Panthers will also miss Etulo Stalinen if they take ice against the Nashville Predators at Bridestain Arena on Tuesday.
Unlike injuries, Luastalinen’s absence is in a much happier situation.
“The Luastalinen family is expanding here,” Maurice smiled.
In 58 games, the 26-year-old forward recorded 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) in 58 games.
As Luostarinen is waiting for the baby, the Panthers will immediately call players in AHL to face predators.
Finally, congratulations to the Ruastalinen family!
