Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk plays on the edge as a true power forward, but he crossed the line at the end of the first period in Sunday’s Game 4 against the Boston Bruins.
Tkachuk was given a two-minute minor penalty for cross-checking Bruins forward Garnet Hathaway after the first period buzzer had already sounded. It was a dirty hit right to the ribs, and it caused Hathaway to stay down on the ice for a few minutes before he was able to skate toward the locker room.
The Panthers star was lucky to escape a major penalty. Tkachuk’s cheap shot is absolutely deserving of further discipline from the NHL — players have been fined for a lot less.
The Bruins ultimately made Tkachuk pay by scoring on the ensuing power play to begin the second period.
Pretty passing. Pretty goal. 👌
The Bruins are leading the way so far in Game 4. Catch all the action on Sportsnet One. 📺 pic.twitter.com/2Fn24iPS8w— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 23, 2023
Tkachuk was drilled by Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy on a huge hit earlier in the period. Overall, it was a very physical 20 minutes of playoff hockey.
The Bruins entered Sunday leading this first-round playoff series 2-1.
