Panthers' Paul Maurice Raises Eyebrows With Matthew Tkachuk Comments

The Florida Panthers tied their second-round playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs after two strong games at home. Despite going down 2-0 to open the series, the Panthers never flinched.

However, the Panthers have been a little concerned with the play from star Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk missed a portion of the end of the year, but did come back for the start of the playoffs.

Florida has eased him back over the first two series, however, his numbers have been down. Tkachuk has only scored three goals and five assists over nine playoff games this year, but his head coach seems to think his best is directly in front of him.

"I think his game last game was his best," Florida coach Paul Maurice said Monday. "I think his last three games that he's played have been the best that he's played in the playoffs. I think he has an incredible ability to adapt his game, and I think he was doing that in the Tampa series, almost straight through the Tampa series. But he is back.

"I didn't see him adapting his game [in Game 4]. The glimpses from the bench where he'll move differently or release a puck early or do something or give himself another foot of ice just to cover off a change in direction, something like that, I didn't see any of that last night."

Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) waits for the faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Tkachuk is one of the better players on the Panthers' roster, and they will need him if they want to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. For the year, he put up 22 goals and 35 assists in 52 games.

As Florida gets ready for a crucial Game 5, they will be looking to their leader to set the tone. Game 5 between the Panthers and the Maple Leafs is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. ET.