The NHL drama may have come to a temporary halt, giving way to the Olympic frenzy. However, Matthew Tkachuk is going the extra mile to ensure that the legendary rivalry between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning lives on.
This season has been particularly ruthless for the Panthers and has proved just as exemplary for Tampa. The two teams are flanked on the two ends of the Atlantic Division standings; the Lightning has 78 points while the Panthers have 61. Despite the Panthers’ consistently poor showing, including their latest 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Lightning, Tkachuk has utilized an opportunity to take a brutal jab at Tampa.
Matthew Tkachuk Takes a Dig at Anthony Cirelli Amid Injury Troubles
The Lightning’s 28-year-old forward Anthony Cirelli, who is in the third year of his eight-year, $50 million contract, was supposed to travel to Italy with Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Tkachuk’s teammate Brad Marchand, among others. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Cirelli was injured in the first period of the Lightning’s Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium.
The Lightning emerged victorious over the Bruins in a 6-5 shootout. Despite Tampa’s win, the match had adverse repercussions for Cirelli, leaving him with a lower-body injury and eventually jeopardizing an unparalleled opportunity to represent his country at the international stage in Italy. Cirelli was consequently replaced by Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett, who plays with Tkachuk for the Panthers.
Tkachuk, who will play for the United States of America in Italy, took a sharp jab at Cirelli and the Lightning by stating that Bennett’s addition is an “upgrade” for Team Canada. “Matthew Tkachuk says the addition of Sam Bennett to Canada is ‘definitely an upgrade for their team. The Florida-Tampa rivalry lives on,” Sportsnet’s Luke Fox shared on his social media.
While the comment can ruffle some feathers, the reality is that, playing for Team USA, Tkachuk will battle not just Bennett but also some of the best NHL players of this era in Italy. From what we know at this stage, Jon Cooper has ensured depth like no other, with Sidney Crosby as the 3C, flanked by Mitch Marner on one side and Mark Stone on the other.
The first line of the team comprises McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, and the gritty Tom Wilson. Team Canada really has it all: grit, determination, balance, and enviable leadership in Crosby.
Snarky comments aside, Tkachuk ought to be cognizant of the threat Team Canada poses to Team USA in the Winter Olympics. It is only a matter of time before the Canada-USA hockey rivalry receives a much-needed closure.
