If there is anything Edmonton Oilers fans hate more than the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, or Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s Matthew Tkachuk. Since being drafted by the Flames, he has been a thorn in their side in the worst possible way. All was right with Oil Country when the Oilers defeated Tkachuk and the Flames in 2022.
Fast forward to today, and Tkachuk has two Stanley Cups. To add insult to injury, he won those cups for the Florida Panthers by defeating the Oilers. However, as revealed in Season 2 of FACEOFF: Inside the NHL, Tkachuk sums up what it’s like playing Connor McDavid in two words.
Matthew Tkachuk on Connor McDavid
Season 2 of FACEOFF: Inside the NHL is now available for hockey fans to enjoy (as long as you have Prime Video). Season One of this series was praised for its ability to shine a new light on the hockey stars who participated. It’s for both casual and hardcore fans, offering a deeper look into the lives of these hockey players.
In episode six, titled “The Rat Kings,” Tkachuk had some words to share about McDavid. After the first game of the Panthers-Oilers series, he revealed what he says is the “toughest task.”
“It’s the toughest task in the NHL right now, playing against Connor McDavid,” Tkachuk said to the docu-series interviewer. “You’re not going to get into his head.”
“He’s the best player in the world, obviously.”
Game 1 of that series was a high-flying, action-at-both-ends kind of contest. Tkachuk brought some insight into what it was like to play in that game.
“I tell you what, there was some chances everywhere,” Tkachuk revealed. “You couldn’t let up for one second. You can’t give an inch to those guys; they’ll make you pay right away.”
Tkachuk Reveals Playoff Injury Details
GettyMatthew Tkachuk shares his feelings about Connor McDavid.
For Tkachuk, the most recent Cup victory was not easier than the first one. He spoke about the intense nature of his injury and what it was like playing in the playoffs at less than 100 percent.
His injury stemmed from the 4 Nations Face-off in February. It all happened when Team USA played Team Canada.
“In the third period, I just heard something that you’re not supposed to hear,” Tkachuk confessed. “At that moment, I’m like (expletive)…that’s not good.”
“I got imaging done and learned that, full tear, right off the bone. It was big, like 5 mm. I debated getting surgery. But if I got surgery, it would have taken me out for the rest of the year, no questions asked.”
That muscle that he tore off the bone was his abductor muscle, according to NHL.com.
Tkachuk revealed the toll that this injury took on him. He spoke about how difficult it was to play with that injury during the playoffs.
“It was tough because I couldn’t be myself,” Tkachuk explained. “I couldn’t play the way I normally do. I was playing to not get hit, I was playing to not hit anybody. That’s not my game.”
“But, I think the game well, so I was able to put myself in pretty decent spots without getting exposed, without getting hit, and without hurting my team.”
The Return of Fan-Favorite Series
GettyConnor McDavid & Matthew Tkachuk During 2024 Stanley Cup Final
FACEOFF: Inside the NHL Season 2 is out now for fans of all types and ages to watch. The six-episode season features an inside look at various hockey players, including Brady Tkachuk, Sean Monahan, Zach Werenski, Sidney Crosby, Anze Kopitar, Quinton Byfield, Brendan Shanahan, William Nylander, Seth Jarvis, Brad Marchand, Zach Hyman, and Matthew Tkachuk.
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