Matthew Tkachuk Avoids Suspension
SUNRISE — Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will not face any additional penalties for his late-game hit on Lightning’s Jake Guentzel during Game 3 of the first-round playoff series on Saturday in Sunrise.
The Incident
In the third period of Tampa Bay’s decisive 5-1 victory, Tkachuk executed a hard hit on Guentzel just after he passed the puck to Anthony Cirelli for an empty-net setup. Tkachuk approached Guentzel from the blind side, altering his course to deliver the hit while Guentzel was distracted, looking towards the puck.
Penalties in Focus
Tkachuk received a five-minute major for interference, mirroring the penalty handed to Lightning’s Brandon Hagel for a hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2. However, unlike Hagel, who was suspended for one game, Tkachuk will not face further disciplinary action.
Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet reported that the league concluded Tkachuk’s hit wasn’t as severe as Hagel’s, adding that there was no head contact and Guentzel had touched the puck, unlike the situation with Barkov.
Reactions from the Ice
Lightning captain Victor Hedman commented on the timing of the incident, stating, “It’s 4-1 and we’re about to make it 5-1, and (Tkachuk) goes out of his way to hit (Guentzel). But it is what it is. We can’t control what the league decides on interference and suspension. We just have to push through.”
The Road Ahead
Though the Lightning played without Hagel, they delivered their finest performance of the series, scoring five straight goals after an early deficit. The best-of-seven series is now 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday in Sunrise.
Conclusion
As the playoffs progress, the intensity will only heighten. Fans will be eager to see how the teams adapt to these challenges in the upcoming games.
FAQs
Will Matthew Tkachuk face further disciplinary action?
No, the league has decided that he will not receive any additional penalties for the hit on Jake Guentzel.
What penalties were given during the game?
Tkachuk was given a five-minute major for interference, similar to the penalty received by Brandon Hagel in Game 2.
When is the next game in the series?
Game 4 will take place on Monday in Sunrise.
