The Florida Panthers are set to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final on May 20. The Panthers' goal will be to start the series off on the right foot with a victory.
The Hurricanes have home-ice advantage for this one, but the Panthers certainly have had their success on the road this post-season. For example, the Panthers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in both Games 5 and 7 at Scotiabank Arena last round.
Now, ahead of Game 1 against the Hurricanes, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk had the opportunity to troll Florida's Eastern Conference Final opponent.
According to The Athletic's Michael Russo, Tkachuk immediately started throwing a medicine ball when Hurricanes forwards Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall began their press conference. This is because the NHL news conference area for Game 1 is located in the Panthers' gym, which the club is not happy about, as Russo noted.
This strange presser setup certainly opened the door for Tkachuk to create a little bit of mischief, and it is not surprising to hear that he has taken advantage of it. Tkachuk is never afraid to stir the pot, both on and off the ice, and he showed that off here.
Tkachuk and the Panthers will now look to put together a strong Game 1 performance against the Canes. In 12 games so far this post-season, Tkachuk has three goals, nine points, and a plus-1 rating.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
Photo Credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images