On Fire: Tkachuk Named NHL’s 3rd Star of the Week…

On Fire: Tkachuk Named NHL’s 3rd Star of the Week…

Matthew Tkachuk continues to shine brightly in the NHL spotlight, earning yet another accolade as he secures the title of the league’s Third Star of the Week for the week concluding on Feb. 18, as announced by the NHL on Monday.

This marks the second recognition for the Florida Panthers’ forward this season, joining the ranks of Toronto’s Auston Matthews, who clinched the First Star, and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, awarded the Second Star.

Maintaining his steadfast approach to every game, Tkachuk, who stands second on the team with an impressive 64 points (20 goals, 44 assists), humbly commented, “Sometimes you get the breaks, sometimes you don’t. Depending on how the games play out, you’re just doing whatever you can to help the team.”

Tkachuk’s contributions have been pivotal in propelling the Panthers to a stellar 36-15-4 record, securing their position atop the Atlantic Division. During a flawless 3-0-0 road trip last week, Tkachuk left his mark on all three games, tallying a notable eight points (three goals, five assists), placing him second in the NHL for the week.

Since the start of the new year, Tkachuk has maintained his dominance, leading the league in scoring with an impressive 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists).

His impact extends beyond the scoresheet, as Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov attested, stating, “Whether he’s on the scoresheet or not, he’s a key player for us… He does everything right. He’s just incredible.”

Tkachuk’s stellar performances continued throughout the week, with notable highlights including a goal and two assists in a triumphant 5-2 victory against Pittsburgh, followed by an assist in a commanding 4-0 win over Buffalo. He capped off the week with a remarkable four-point display (two goals, two assists) alongside linemate Sam Bennett in a resounding 9-2 victory against cross-state rivals, the Lightning.

Tkachuk’s lightning-fast performance, marked by two goals within the first 1:37 of the second period against Tampa Bay, solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with. His notable physicality, evident in his tied second position on the Panthers with 12 hits last week, further underscores his multifaceted contribution to the team’s success.

In the 15 games where Tkachuk has found the back of the net this season, the Panthers boast an impressive 14-1-0 record, highlighting his pivotal role in their victories.