It’s no secret that the Florida Panthers play a unique style that combines skill, speed and physicality.

A player who personifies that better than most is Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk.

It’s that physical, high intensity game that had him in the spotlight while representing the United States during February’s 4 Nations Face-Off, which ultimately left Tkachuk missing several months after suffering a lower-body injury during a game against Canada.

Before getting hurt at 4 Nations, Tkachuk had been on one hell of a heater.

In the eight games leading up to the break he’d logged an eye-popping eight goals and eight assists.

While that kind of pace is an impossible expectation to hold for anyone, let alone a guy coming back from a two-month absence, Tkachuk has held his own on the scoresheet.

Through eight playoff games so far with Florida, Tkachuk has three goals and seven points.

In terms of the eye test, however, it’s clear that Tkachuk is not his usual self.

He’s still finding ways to be productive, but its unclear if he’s still healing and improving or simply managing what is ailing him.

Statistically, the physical play is picking up.

After being credited with just four hits through Florida’s first six playoff games, he’s laid out six in the past two against Toronto.

Tkachuk spoke before Game 4 and was asked about his injury and overall health.

“I’m feeling physically great,” he said. “I’m very happy to be out there.”

While he does have three goals in eight playoff games, two of them game in Game 1 against Tampa.

During the regular season, Tkachuk averaged three shots on goal per game. So far this postseason, he’s averaging half that.

In terms of penalty minutes, he had 11 during the first three games against Tampa Bay, but only two since, a roughing call during the first period of Game 3.

It’s difficult to tell if his game is rounding out or if he’s simply trying to maintain while playing through an injury, but either way, his effort never waivers, and his skills always seem to find a way to shine through.

“It was a long time off,” Tkachuk said. “I’m just happy to be out there with the guys again. There’s nothing better.”

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