Florida Panthers' winger Matthew Tkachuk revealed what he believes to be the biggest reason he and Brady have ascended to this level.
When it comes to their NHL team's success, it's no contest – Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk dominates his younger brother, Brady.
After the Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in round one, Matthew is about to play in the 11th NHL playoff series of his career, facing either Boston or Toronto in round two. Meanwhile, after six years in the league, his brother Brady, the captain of the Ottawa Senators, is still waiting to make his NHL playoff debut.
But when it comes to individual success, both Tkachuk boys are top players in the league and paid a king's ransom for being the power forwards that every team wants – that aggravating bull-in-a-china-shop style of player who also brings considerable skill to the table.
On Wednesday, while appearing on the Pat McAfee show, Matthew provided some insight into the secret of the success that he and Brady have enjoyed in the league so far. Matthews naturally doled out some of credit to his father, Keith, who played 18 years in the NHL.
"I think growing up just having (father Keith) as a voice, as a role model, like my brother and I did at an early age. We weren't forced to play hockey," Matthew said. "But we had everything around us that allowed us to grow into it and love the game. So we had him around every day just to ask about anything, to help coach us, teach us, whatever."
But Matthew thinks it's his relationship with Brady – filled with its deep friendship and fiery battles – that's the main reason they've gone on to the kind of careers they've enjoyed.
"We're very close in age and were able to do everything together," Matthew said. "And ultimately, I think that's the main reason why we are where we are is because of each other and having that unbelievably close relationship, and each other's best friends, and each other's biggest supporters, and biggest competitors as well."
As Tkachuk and the Panthers roll into round two, Brady is dying to compete in those "meaningful games." They've come so easily to Matthew's teams, yet proven so elusive in Ottawa. So he'll try and find them internationally, joining Team USA in Ostrava, Czechia, where they face Sweden in their tournament opener a week from tomorrow (May 10) at the World Hockey Championships.