Matthew Tkachuk will be a headache for Vegas to defend during Stanley Cup Final, and they know it

Tkachuk is second in the NHL with 21 points through 16 playoff games

Matthew Tkachuk has been an absolute beast for the Florida Panthers during the postseason.

His multi-faceted play on the ice and leadership qualities off the ice have provided a massive boost to the Panthers during their incredible run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Tkachuk has scored four game-winning goals during the playoffs. He shares the league lead in that department with Dallas’ Joe Pavelski.

Through 16 games, Tkachuk has nine goals and 21 points, second only to the Stars’ Roope Hintz, who scored three more points in three more games.

Tkachuk’s three overtime goals lead the league.

It isn’t just the 25-year-old’s scoring ability that keeps opposing coaches up at night.

“He can play against anybody,” Vegas Golden Knights Head Coach Bruce Cassidy said of Tkachuk.

To say Florida’s feisty forward will be a focal point for Vegas would be an understatement.

Cassidy, speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s Game 1 between the Panthers and Golden Knights, made a point to bring up Tkachuk’s skating ability and the way he can close on players both while forechecking and backchecking when discussing the difficult situations he can put opposing players in.

He also brought up Tkachuk’s ability to get under people’s skin, something that Vegas’ players should be familiar with from the years Tkachuk spent in Calgary.

“We know he likes to get involved with the chirping stuff,” Cassidy said. “That’ll play itself out one way or the another. Our guys have all been around and will handle it how they see fit.”

When talking about Tkachuk’s skillset, Cassidy mentioned several times that Tkachuk possesses a very high hockey IQ.

He also said defending Tkachuk in tight spaces will prove a challenge because of how good he can be making “small-area plays.”

"We have to find a way to take away his time and space, yet take away his options, because he moves the puck so quick, so that's going to be a delicate balance,” said Cassidy. “And you've got to get into him when he gets to the front of the net. We know that. He's got a great stick and nose for the net. We have some big D that can do that.”

It’s no secret that the Golden Knights boast one of the biggest back lines in the league. Vegas’ top six defenseman are all between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-6 and weigh between 197 and 230 lbs.

Tkachuk, meanwhile, comes in at 6-foot-2 and 201 lbs. and is one of the best at body positioning in high-danger areas.

Cassidy noted that chasing Tkachuk away from the net also would be difficult due to how well he can facilitate the puck and locate his teammates in the offensive zone.

Basically, Tkachuk is going to be a handful to defend no matter where in the Vegas zone he chooses to operate.

“Our system is layered, we’re not man-to-man, so that will help us,” Cassidy said. “We like to have our D close to the net for the most part, so I think that will be a positive in trying to defend him.”

It will be a fun and interesting chess match as the two battle tested hockey clubs go toe-to-toe for the greatest trophy in all of sports.

After what has felt like an eternity, the Stanley Cup Final is just one day away.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Cassidy said. “They’ve earned their way, we’re earned our way.”