Keith Tkachuk blasts son Matthew's flashy goal, as even a highlight-reel score can't win over his famously critical NHL legend dad.
It seems not everyone was impressed with a recent highlight-reel goal by Matthew Tkachuk.
The impressive play came during Florida’s 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders last week.
With Florida already leading 1-0, Tkachuk’s second goal of the first period was one that the Panthers deemed the “Goal of the Year” on their official YouTube channel.
The play saw Tkachuk make a between-the-legs move with his stick while bearing down on Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin, shooting the puck over Sorokin while his stick was behind him still between his legs.
You can check it on in the video below:
Now, the move is not an original one. Players have been attempting it for years, including Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov who pulled it off several seasons ago.
For the most part, Tkachuk’s goal has been celebrated. It should. It’s not an easy move to make.
But there are some who felt like Florida’s All-Star forward was showboating a little bit.
That includes Tkachuk’s father, former NHL star Keith Tkachuk.
During an appearance on the Wingmen podcast, which is hosted by brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, their father Keith wasn’t shy when telling his oldest son how he felt about the goal.
"First of all, you were cheating,” Keith Tkachuk said through a laugh, making light of his son being behind the Islanders’ defenders. “It's not anticipating, you were totally cheating. But it was a nice goal. I'm not a big fan of that move because I probably couldn't do it when I played. It’s a little razzle-dazzle. I just don't like it."
Apparently, this isn’t the first time that the Tkachuk clan has discussed the move.
As the podcast went on, Matthew Tkachuk explained that Keith used to get upset with the boys when they would try that move during practices or youth hockey games, even if they scored on it.
“It’s impressive to do that,” Keith Tkachuk admitted. “You can’t teach that stuff, but I don’t like it.”
You can check out this week’s full episode of Wingmen with the trio of Tkachuks on YouTube by clicking here.
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Photo caption: Mar 28, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) shoots between his legs and scores a goal against New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) and defensemen Ryan Pulock (6) and Scott Mayfield (24) during the first period at UBS Arena. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)