Matthew Tkachuk & Panthers Use Doubters As Motivation On Magical Playoff Run

Matthew Tkachuk discusses the Florida Panthers' improbable playoff run, how they used critics including even Matthew's dad as motivation to turn their season around, and how he was brought up in a hockey family.
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Matthew Tkachuk & Panthers Use Doubters As Motivation On Magical Playoff Run
#NHL #StanleyCup #FloridaPanthers

[@jordanmokricky8328]

As a pens fan I’m actually kinda glad the panthers made it instead of us by 1 point. You saved me the heartache of watching the pens get swept in round 1 by Boston and most likely Boston still being in. No way pens would have gotten as far as you guys. Hats off to the panthers.

[@coltoncarson_UKR-RUS]

idk, Im a pens fan too I think we could have went 6 or 7 with Boston. We played them really good in the Regular Season, the one 6-5 game, the Winter Classic 2-1

[@fwater9543]

As a fellow Pens fan, I completely agree. I would’ve loved to see Geno, Tanger, and Sid have another playoffs together, since it’s very possible we won’t see another. But the Panthers run has been amazing.

[@MagicMike_101]

ZZzzZzZzz Loser

[@kennysdead500]

@@coltoncarson_UKR-RUS Stop. Then the Maple Leafs would have been pushed further in their fluke run Should have beaten the Rangers in 5 last year though

[@D0ntTaseM3Br0]

I actually forgot we were that close to even making the playoffs since watching the playoffs. LMFAO

[@rebeltvr6046]

Habs fan here, we have Florida's 1st round pick this year, looked like it would be around #17, but it's going to be #32 it looks like but I don't care. Florida is the underdog story everyone wants to get behind. I want to see Tkatchuk, Barkov, Bob, and Maurice win a Cup. Those dudes deserve it.

[@gillesgibeault9135]

Well in your dream , that's what you habs fan do a lot .

[@zachlesk5685]

Maurice isn’t exaggerating when he says Tkachuk takes the time to thank and meet w just about everyone. A guy I played with recently is a pharmacist who fills orders for the heat, panthers, dolphins, etc. one of the trainers called to ask for X Y and Z, and Tkachuk personally took the phone for a few minutes to thank him, tell him how much he appreciates everything they do for the team. Standout guy, should go down as the greatest panther of all time if he continues, especially if he helps get us that Elusive First Stanley Cup

[@jamieduckworth5017]

He is a great hockey player

[@landons2624]

Great story. I like how he was reflecting when Rod was on the ice with his boys, comes full circle.

[@chriz9959]

imagine you play your entire career in the NHL and made it to the hall of fame but never won the cup. one day your kid comes home and brings the cup . this must be a crazy experience..

[@swarmX]

man im praying to the hockey gods that my cats pull it off this year (along w/ the heat lol). what a story that would be

[@benparks8760]

I'm a leafs fan and it was disappointing but I do think that it is incredible how talented Tkachuk is and it makes me feel better

[@memoranda1]

i used to be a leafs and disappointment was huge part of being one......and when they stopped making the playoffs. I totally became disenchanted with them.....I like the part when they started rebuilding and finally stopped giving away draft picks but by then it was too late.....nothing about them surprises me. They lose or get eliminated ......Oh well ....i'll still be drinking my tea the next day.... I am not a fan of any NHL team..... the Panthers have really caught my attention and i hope they go far....i like their fighting spirit..

[@jgrantnb]

Wow ,the kid is classy. Nice to see.

[@doodlebob2023]

how can you not love this guy. absolute beast on the ice and possibly the first nhl player in modern history that has a real and genuine personality with interviewers.

[@zillatattoo]

lol, youre joking, right?

[@NSUCarlos]

Similar to the Miami area basketball team, both doubted, now proving everyone wrong. From a Sharks fan, go Panthers!

[@FLGirly]

Sharks are my main Western team, thanks!

[@algrundau9441]

Except people in Miami and the Media pay attention to Basketball..........

[@ChiefBlue4298]

This team is on a mission!

[@koola998]

They not winning

[@user-dy4kd7ti8c]

The mission stops at Vegas

[@alexk4513]

@@koola998 keep doubting that’s what y’all been saying since the bruins series🤣🤣

[@kellenc_]

@@user-dy4kd7ti8c prob said the same thing the last month

[@FLGirly]

@@koola998 dumbass lmao

[@audibletapehiss3764]

It's just so weird to find myself liking this guy. Whatever. He's getting it done.

[@mariusjurtz]

Same, haha

[@chrisnichols9014]

He's got passion and that's why he's likeable.

[@kellenc_]

We’ve been overlooked the entire season, including these playoffs. As a die-hard fan it would be crazy if we could pull off this run.

[@creaminthebank]

Bro I’m rooting for you as a Rangers fan! I really hope other die-hard Panthers fans speak out more and start making a fuss about themselves especially if Florida end up winning it, sick and tired of hearing the ”zero fans” joke

[@kellenc_]

@@creaminthebank at this point it’s easy to tune out those comments. Anyone’s who’s been to one of our games knows our passion and how fun our games are to attend. Hope we can pull it off!

[@earthgaugeblog]

"We"? Are you on the team?

[@kellenc_]

@@earthgaugeblog what a stupid comment.

[@rickhammond2473]

@@earthgaugeblog I am allowed to say we because I put a boat load on the Panthers January 27 to make the playoffs was fortunate that the Pens lost for them to get in and after Panthers beat Boston twice in regular season I loaded up on the Panthers to win the cup.I see the Panthers sweeping the finals.

[@Dutchovenderlinde]

I'm an Avs fan, but the Panthers are quickly becoming my second-favorite team. This team is awesome. It's funny that I used to intensely dislike Tkachuk in Calgary, but now he's become one of my favorite players. I'll definitely be happy if the Avs pass the Cup to the Panthers this season.

[@POSS99]

Sadly they won't be playing an easy opponent in the finals like colorado did.

[@Dutchovenderlinde]

@@POSS99 if you think the two-time defending champions were an “easy” opponent, you know nothing about hockey.

[@dxzxax8772]

Matthew Tkachuk is the best thing in these playoffs. Absolute animal.

[@mariakarolina4957]

My brother you are one of a kind! I wish you the BEST and I pray/declare we bring the Stanley Cup HOME!!!! You all deserve it. A true David and Goliath story. You all have done it with such honor, respect and poise. Its an honor to be a fan!!!

[@Rhulk843]

Tkachuk is a beast. As a knights fan, he was a menace in Calgary against the VGK but now he’s on an EC team I am now also a panthers fan (unless they meet in the cup final then it’s VGK all the way lol)

[@TingBunna]

Guy's the best 2-Way player since Lindros before the injuries, buddy's an absolute weapon.

[@rickhammond2473]

Panthers will pick Vegas apart

[@andrenguyen5194]

Knights fan here too! I feel exactly the same too!!!!!!!

[@TingBunna]

@@rickhammond2473 They'll make Petro look like he's playing with skate guards on

[@chriscote8441]

Becoming one of my favourite players. Jesus

[@Oldman43674]

How can you NOT love him! Leafs fan saying this!

[@aksis2133]

I love the way that the players are almost afraid to mention the cup until it's actually in their hands. That thing is their holy grail, and you can tell they all know to even touch it once in their career is a dream beyond most of their capabilities. The reverence they have for Lord Stanley is just something I can't say I've seen in any other sport - and yeah, call it superstition, call it whatever you want - it's special, and there's nothing else like it in the world. Nothing that hard to earn, with that much history, that you can have your name engraved on forever, that demands more from you than any other sport. I may be a salty Leafs fan who never wants to see guys like Gudas and Bennett in the same building as the cup, but Tkachuk really deserves to lift it if they go all the way. Moreso than any other player IMO that's still in the playoffs. Same goes for Bobrovsky.

[@mitsanut5869]

You need guys ilke Gudas and others on your team to have a shot at winning it all. You may hate them but in the scope of things, I could almost guarantee that if you had him on your team, you'd love to have him. Even as you might not like some of the "antics" some players are known for, they're light years behind from being the lNFL, and modern soccer circus clowns and caricature cry babies most of them are these days.. These guys are tough as nails, they play hard, they win hard and they lose hard but they are no pretenders - you can take that to the bank. A true hockey fan is someone who can respect the other team players when they deserve it. And there are plenty of them to respect on any of the last four teams now.

[@FLGirly]

@@mitsanut5869 well said!!

[@jaret217]

I kinda hate him, but his willpower is off the charts. I think he'll drag his teams to multiple cups. I probably take him 1oa in a 2016 redraft.

[@kennysdead500]

I feel like the cup will be won by Tampa and Florida for the next several years

[@FLPanthers_Steelers_Fanatic]

If only the Canadian media could respect more the Panthers and not doubt the talent we have. We were the President trophy winners last season, one of the best ever on record, we were soft against the lightning and realized you need grit and determination to win the cup. Enter Tkachuk and start getting everyone else buzzing with that killer instinct and Bobrovsky get rejuvenated and off we go. Neither the Bruins or the Leafs gave it away, we punched their faces and took it away. And if there was any doubt, look no further than what we just did to the Canes in the first two games. TO needs to take a page out of our game plan, get the right GM, Coach and two gritty players to compliment the talent and maybe after 56 years an original six team can get its cup finally. Mather is the one that makes most sense btw. GL next year, make the right choices and you too can accomplish more; meantime show a little love and respect for the team that’s playing lights out hockey.

[@iLightSoundGeometry]

[@brianpistolwhip]

I swear Florida looks real good right now. If only the Canucks can get there some day XD

[@bajjanitor]

"Neither the Bruins or the Leafs gave it away, we punched their faces and took it away." Well, if you by it mean 'the puck in their own zone' then the Bruins certainly gave it away. "Mather is the one that makes most sense btw." Wonder if Mather is Matthews or Marner.

[@a17yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

SN would never not only suck off Canadian teams. That’s why they are hacks.

[@rebeltvr6046]

Nobody's questioning the Panthers anymore. No way.

[@BeStrong4ever]

The underdog narrative and mindset is everything!

[@casewojo6186]

Favorite player and it’s not even close for me. Cats are my second team (red wings fan) but they might become my first. So much heart on that roster.

[@lauchieburton5592]

Just an amazing player

[@elconquistador932]

Life long Wings fan, been through 50 plus years of ups and downs. GO CATS!

[@DPSARAUJO]

Go Florida ❤

[@one7decimal2eight]

Man, florida really won that trade. Yikes, this dude is on fire. Reminds me of Claude Lemieux playoff run back with New Jersey I believe. Just scored clutch goals the entire way to the cup. I say reminds me of because both of them are pests and very talented pests.

[@dronlaa]

Great guy! Whish him the cup!

[@andrewmulligan4018]

Its not just Chucky!!! The TEAM has to be included in the success!! They're all unreal

[@guyami8892]

Tkachuk is the best player in the NHL. There I said it.

[@zillatattoo]

lmao.

[@austism1]

He's a jack of all trades. I wouldn't say he's the best at any of them individually but put em all together combined with his work ethic and overall leadership qualities...winner winner chicken dinner

[@w9x7cv3vg6]

this is the season of the biting away on the teeth guards…its crazy !

[@gillesgibeault9135]

Cinderella story. Tic Toc Tic Toc here comes midnight .

[@justbleedprod.9414]

Idk how I’m just noticing this but the Florida jerseys have “alternates” on the shoulders for the alternate captains as seen at 5:30

[@paulhudson4254]

Cinderella story so far! Your earning it! Hard work does pay off! 🙏🤠🙏

[@thebluefus]

Go Panthers!

[@johnshields6852]

Underdog is a major factor in all sports, every athlete at one time in their life was told, your not good enough, too small, too uncoordinated, too too, that's motivation.

[@johnsinglet575]

Canucks nation were already sad that our management passed on drafting back when he was a 60-70pt player. Look at him now. Unreal player.

[@DarkCode]

Hehehehehehe. I didnt know he had red hair and blue or green eyes. Is he of Irish decent? Either way what an awesome player and lets hope he can achieve the Glory of a Champiomship! Lets go PANTHERS!!!

[@Fallahh]

Greatest American born player already

[@scottbell3193]

I'm Bruins fan I said when the playoffs started it doesn't matter what you do in the regular season it is what you do in the playoffs that matters . go get the cup Panthers.

[@hockeyislife7686]

Go Florida

[@PurrkourCat]

Lets go Panthers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@motdu7102]

Bobrovsky is carrying the panthers, and their puck luck will eventually run out

[@LazyAssHat]

You’ve not watched a single one of their games if you think this

[@lyleziska8958]

​@@LazyAssHat Panters barely made the playoffs and they are obviously peaking at the right time. All I see is a below average 8th seed team getting all the lucky bounces and their goalie suddenly got hot. The leafs, canes are also butter soft teams. Boston should've taken their sorry butts out 3 weeks ago.

[@highvoltagemedia7150]

@@lyleziska8958but they didn’t. They blew a 3-1 series lead. All sports require a little bit of luck. You don’t go up 2-0 in a conference final on the road due strictly to luck nor by being a mid team.

[@LazyAssHat]

@@lyleziska8958 if that’s all you see then you have the worst judgment in human history my guy and you don’t know puck one bit. You’re probably a Boston fan so lmao

[@LettyTheBee]

@calidiver you most definitely are a leafs fan 😂😂 blud’s team got a gentleman sweep WE WANT FLORIDA

[@paha2736]

I thought he would be chewing his mouth piece during this interview

[@spectralflop823]

Lol this team reminds of the Miami Heat, & it’s happening at the same time loll

[@MM-ww6yb]

Solid guy 🤝 nothing but respect

[@toke7342]

Good for him. I prefer Marner and Matthews though.

[@martavismiles776]

I like his playoff beard

[@dennis3351]

Keep that mindset and show em all Panthers. Today 6 more wins. Don't let up.

[@rickhammond2473]

I wonder how Vegas will hold up against Florida.Seeing how they are playing against Dallas Panthers could sweep them.

[@killickhunter2902]

But do you miss us in Calgary lol jk Proud of you Chucky miss you in town buddy

[@Mrvegas6666]

Go get that Cup Chucky.

[@judasbrain6599]

Like when his dad called the entire team soft….?

[@zkid001]

GAMER

[@thebluefus]

Matthew Tkachuk is a cool Cat

[@lucasvaughn9759]

Everyone forgets this franchise won the President’s Trophy last year

[@chrisnichols9014]

Exactly. They have something to prove here.

[@JJZ77]

2023 Panthers are gonna be the 2012 Kings: -Makes the playoffs by a single point. -Knocks off regular season Juggernauts. -Stanley Cup Champions Love, A Salty Bruins Fan

[@Jasonboy765]

2023 panthers are gonna be the 2023 panthers Not kings

[@JJZ77]

@@Jasonboy765 I was making a comparison lmao

[@Jasonboy765]

@@JJZ77 then you should say panthers are like jadajada jada not "are gonna be"

[@mrv6968]

This guy was a hot dog in Calgary for 5 of his 6 years. Then his final year he became a mature man and the Panthers inherited a bonafide Superstar. I liked his talent in Calgary, but his punk attitude had to go. It went and boy did Florida get a gem. He doesn't need to fight and get rag dolled by goons. He's a player who will kill you with his skill.

[@user-sk8jx4rx7h]

they let him go in calgary..!!!...I wonder how they feel about it today watching Him play in the playoffs..!!!!

[@Crazylayzeeme]

Calgary certainly didn’t want to let him go, but didn’t have much of a choice last year! One year out from UFA, he kindly advised management that he wasn’t going to sign an extension. Was either trade him for a good return, or lose him for nothing

[@FlyBoysWareHouse]

Toronto fans asking for Florida and then gets absolutely destroyed by Florida must be one of the most funniest things on internet in these days😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sens_outlook]

0:05 Could you imagine if people tweeted this out about my Celtics rn....

[@rickkenward-rr8um]

Give Florida credit but it's also about luck and breaks too. And the idea that teams make their own breaks is a total myth.

[@profitcs8506]

The rat king.

[@mr.humbleburger1394]

I don't "doubt" the panthers ability, I just couldn't care less if they won a cup. I understand they have not been to the cup finals since 1996, which is a good story, much like the Leafs they beat. But its not the "true underdog story" everyone can't get enough of. If they were the Coyetes doing this, now thats an underdog story. Winless as the Jets, Winless as the Coyotes, and havent made it past the first round since they were the og Jets in 86. If they were the wildcard to take out Boston I'd have followed them around the damn country.

[@TomasHlavenkavlogs]

They have been the most interesting team this series, idk what you're watching lol!

[@mr.humbleburger1394]

@@TomasHlavenkavlogs The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, what have you been watching?

[@codylemieux4510]

The Coyotes made it past the first round in 2012 , actually made it to round 3

[@mr.humbleburger1394]

@@codylemieux4510 Panthers made the playoffs that year to, then again in 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. They truly are an underdog story lmao

[@tt128556]

Sets a very poor example for young kids aspiring to play in the NHL one day, chewing the mouthguard and just being obnoxious and ratty on the ice. Obviously has the talent to back it up but most don't, so I wouldn't be surprised if the league got a lot dirtier in the next 10-20 years when everyone and their mom tries to emulate his style.

[@chrisnichols9014]

He's actually a pretty nice person, though. Who cares if he has some strange habits.

[@iLightSoundGeometry]

les go panthers

[@cuban-casanova]

Panthers in 4

[@Torgo1969]

The doubters will be lain into the foundations of the new sanctum.

[@FLGirly]

Prove them wrong again, let’s go Chucky and the Cats!

[@user-jy5ig2jj4w]

nice to see Brind Amour with his kids on the ice

[@youknowwho6215]

no one cares about bubble hockey team. canes in 6

[@richardhayling4339]

In that case panthers couldn’t lose if they tried

[@shardhoney]

GO CATS 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀

[@brianohalloran7586]

I don't like Tkachuk and I never will.

[@AbolishedEmu]

Salty oilers fan

[@MagicMike_101]

The Turtle did not last playoff for the Flames. I like the Panthers, but not this turtle.

[@AbolishedEmu]

"Turtle" has done more than Jesus and Drai ever have in the playoffs

[@licmysak7842]

Panthers are winning the cup

[@Minecraftwiz123]

Lmao yet he didnt do anything in the leafs series 🤣🤣

[@rickhammond2473]

He had 5 assists and had a +5 against Toronto,you are a buffoon.

[@AbolishedEmu]

He was still getting assists. Toronto didnt do anything against Florida.

[@Minecraftwiz123]

@@AbolishedEmu lmao it was a close series no one was way better panthers just got luck and refs on there side

[@AbolishedEmu]

@@Minecraftwiz123 stop blaming the refs. Your team just sucked

[@Minecraftwiz123]

@@AbolishedEmu lmao well its the truth and glad to hear your opinion

[@salmazucca9637]

Come over 2 the rangers

[@hughie2311]

Horrible highlight video TSN , where was the first 3 periods? Congrats Latvia!

[@brentholyrider1075]

😂😂😂 talk all you want still no cup

[@dertfert745]

If I were him I would just pay some Russian guy 10m to never let a goal in during OT

[@mrfake675]

Stud

[@KickAssets]

What do you mean no one thought you had a chance? That is dumb. Florida is a good team. Almost any team can beat any team in the playoffs.

[@hectic105]

They, quite literally, barely made the playoffs and they were going against the team with the best regular season record of any team in the NHL EVER. That is THE most underdog position a team can possibly be in. Then they went down 3-1 in the series, so yah, everyone was writing them off from the beginning to that point, and it made sense to. You’re right that anything can happen in the playoffs and that’s exactly what did happen. It was also a good motivator for the team (which is why they honed in on the “we want Florida” chants for their series against Toronto as well).

[@evanskipper5324]

This guy is a joke, canes in 7

[@FLGirly]

Awww 😢🧂

[@Naka_-]

i hope *SOME* canes fans are more humble

[@patrickshaw938]

A joke? Back to back OT goals in the Canes barn is funny, from a certain perspective.

[@Trump4Life2024]

How well did Bill Gates and Epstein know each other? 👀

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Fluke run, fluke team.

[@Aphockey12]

“Magical playoff run” more like magical script

[@Oujump]

OMG THAT IS THE MOST LEAF FAN TAKE I HAVE EVER HEARD

[@patrickshaw938]

😂

[@bigdkenergypodcast]

🧂🧂🧂

[@chrisnichols9014]

Found the Leaf fan.

[@terryslota2224]

from a Hawks fan following hockey since the late 50s, early 60s, there have been many many great players i hated, because they would get under the skin of Hawks players, but deep down inside i wished they were on the Hawks..

[@dickbiggerjr3613]

If panthers lift the cup, Keith's name deserves to be right there with them lol !

[@bendouglas7811]

This guy reminds me of Matthews and Marner....

[@chrisnichols9014]

Except he plays with more heart and soul. This is why Florida is winning.

[@myteebee]

Canucks could have had this guy as their captain

[@herpderp1750]

I just don't care. The problem with Florida is that it's in Florida. Not a hockey market. cup or no cup...the market is horrible. So I just don't care. Maybe he should have done this in an original 6 market where people care about hockey instead of surfing?

[@chrisnichols9014]

If they win the cup, I'm pretty sure hockey will become a thing there.