Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Latest news on why Panthers star missed Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final

Bryan Murphy

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Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Latest news on why Panthers star missed Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final image

The Panthers fell short in their quest for a Stanley Cup, losing to the Golden Knights in five games in the 2023 final. 

Florida had to go to battle in Game 5 without star Matthew Tkachuk, who was ruled out before the game. The Panthers winger was hurt in Game 3 of the series when he took a big hit from Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar.

Whatever lingering effects of the collision were still hampering his play days later. It was evident during Florida's 3-2 loss to Vegas in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, and it kept him out of action on Tuesday. 

Tkachuk played just 16:50 on Saturday night, nearly five minutes less than his 21:53 average TOI during the 2023 playoffs. His absence was most notable in the third period; there was a stretch where he did not take the ice for more than 10 minutes.

Despite not playing in Game 5, the son of former NHLer Keith Tkachuk led the team in points and goals this postseason with 11 and 24, respectively. 

MORE: How many Stanley Cups have the Golden Knights won?

The Sporting News has the latest updates on Tkachuk's injury status in the Stanley Cup Final. 

Matthew Tkachuk injury update

It was reported by ESPN's John Buccigross that Tkachuk was dealing with a fractured sternum. It came from the Kolesar hit in Game 3.

Tkachuk was on the wrong end of a big, open-ice collision in the first period. He stumbled while trying to get up, but he was eventually able to skate to the bench. 

Keegan Kolesar with a hit on Matthew Tkachuk. 😳 pic.twitter.com/qw8kUj1C7g

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2023

He played the next shift but then went down the tunnel to be evaluated by the training staff. Maurice confirmed after the game that his temporary removal was due to the concussion spotter pulling him from the contest.

MORE: How does the NHL's concussion protocol work?

Tkachuk was cleared and returned to the game. 

The injury could be to Tkachuk's left shoulder. He was seen stretching out the shoulder on the bench with the training staff. Considering he suited up for Game 4, a shoulder injury is more likely than a concussion.

Maurice praised Tkachuk after the game for grinding through Game 4. He said he sat Tkachuk to preserve him for the final minutes of the third period. 

Maurice said Tkachuk had to grind through tonight and they sat him to try to preserve what he had left. Maurice says with 2 days off they’ll assess his injury before Game 5

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 11, 2023

"Matthew’s been a grinder his whole life, and he was again tonight," Maurice said. "We were just looking to get in some situation where he could use what he had to give us. Hoping to get on the power play a little bit earlier, I guess, and certainly at the end of the game.”

Will Matthew Tkachuk play in Game 5?

Tkachuk will not play in Game 5. 

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had said that Tkachuk would be evaluated again during warmups, however, Tkachuk was not seen on the ice prior to Game 5. 

The Panthers forward did not skate at the optional practice on Monday. 

MORE: Matthew Tkachuk on pace for most penalty minutes in a Stanley Cup Final

Tkachuk admitted after Game 4 that he is unsure of his status for the contest. He said in his postgame interview he "couldn't commit" to playing in the elimination game. 

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.