On the eve of the Stanley Cup Final, mainstream outlet People Magazine has posted a feature on Panthers young star Matthew Tkachuk
It’s no surprise that the hockey world has been captivated by Matthew Tkachuk.
The Florida Panthers’ young superstar is maturing into a clutch playoff performer right before our very eyes.
The 25-year-old Tkachuk has been putting up big numbers for the Panthers during their march to the Stanley Cup Final, racking up nine goals and 21 points through just 16 games.
Of those nine goals, four of them are game winners.
Three of those game-winning goals came during overtime, and the fourth clinched the Eastern Conference crown for Florida with 4.9 second left in Game 4 against Carolina.
He’s feared by opponents, but not only for his scoring prowess. Tkachuk is one of the toughest guys in the league, never hesitating to go to the front of the net, come to a teammates defense or alter the momentum of a game with a crushing check along the boards.
With the eight-seed Panthers advancing all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, Tkachuk has been in the spotlight, and rightfully so.
Even people outside of the usual hockey circles are paying attention to what Florida’s fun and ferocious firecracker has been doing on the game’s grandest stage.
That includes the globally popular People Magazine.
This week, People focused a feature on none other than Tkachuk as he and his Panthers prepared to open the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday.
It’s the latest example of Florida’s incredible underdog story capturing the hearts and attention of many of those who otherwise may not have been paying mind to a hockey team.
On a bigger scale through, this is evidence that Tkachuk is becoming one of the faces of the NHL.
A mainstream outlet like People covering the NHL, and Tkachuk in particular, is a wonderful sign of growth in the game of hockey.
Tkachuk’s story touches on his family, his growing popularity and unprecedented path he and his Panthers teammates are walking…er, skating.
Check it out by clicking here.