The Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row with their 5-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6. It was an excellent way for the Panthers to end their playoff run, and they are now the champs again because of it.
Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk played a role in Florida's win, as he scored at the 19:13 mark of the first period to give them a 2-0 lead over the Oilers. With this, he finished the post-season with eight goals, 23 points, and a plus-7 rating in 23 games.
Following the Panthers' win, Tkachuk had this to say about Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, as reported by TSN's Chris Johnston:
"When have you have a player that good and that talented, he's going to win (the Stanley Cup) one day. Wherever it is."
Tkachuk's belief that McDavid will win the Stanley Cup before his career is over is entirely understandable. McDavid is the top player in the league, and he has been excellent in the playoffs throughout his career, even if he has yet to win the Stanley Cup. In 96 career playoff games, McDavid has recorded 44 goals, 150 points, and a plus-31 rating. This includes seven goals and 33 points in 22 playoff games this year.
Yet, the "wherever it is" comment from Tkachuk about McDavid is undoubtedly the most interesting part about this quote. The superstar forward is entering the final season of his contract in 2025-26 and could become an unrestricted free agent next year. It seems that Tkachuk thinks there is a chance that McDavid could end up going elsewhere instead of staying put in Edmonton once his deal is up.
No matter what happens between McDavid and the Oilers in the future, it is apparent that Tkachuk believes No. 97 will be a Stanley Cup champion before he hangs up the skates. Time will tell what happens on that front, but there is no question McDavid and Edmonton will be extra hungry after having their hearts broken in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals to the Panthers.
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