The Florida Panthers star exits the game early after sustaining an injury during Team USA’s hard-fought win against Canada.
Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Matthew Tkachuk suffered a lower-body injury during Team USA’s 3-1 victory over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday, forcing him to sit out the final 12:36 of the game at Bell Centre.
His availability for the U.S.’s final round-robin matchup against Sweden at TD Garden on Monday remains uncertain. Head coach Mike Sullivan provided little detail about Tkachuk’s status, stating, “Right now, he’s being evaluated by our doctors. That’s all I can offer. We’ll make decisions that we think is best for Matthew and we think is best for our team. Right now, I don’t have a lot of information to go on, so it’s hard for me to give you more.”
Despite the injury, Tkachuk himself downplayed any concerns. “I feel good,” he said after the game. “Definitely way better after a win. Should be all good.”
With Team USA already securing a spot in the tournament final on Thursday, they may choose to rest Tkachuk as a precaution. For now, he’s simply savoring the moment.
“Just going to enjoy this win tonight,” Tkachuk added. “Other than Game 7 (of the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers) last year, this has been the highlight of my hockey career. I’m just going to enjoy it with the guys. We have such a fun group in there, and it’s going to be a fun plane ride tonight. Lots of laughs. We’re having a lot of fun with those guys.”
Tkachuk had been a key contributor in the tournament, playing on a line with his brother Brady and Jack Eichel. He racked up three points (two goals, one assist) in a dominant 6-1 win over Finland on Thursday and set the tone against Canada by dropping the gloves with Brandon Hagel right after the opening faceoff.
It’s unclear exactly when the injury occurred. He cut one shift short just nine seconds in, skated off at the 3:50 mark of the third period, then skipped his next shift entirely. He returned for a brief 40-second shift before heading back to the bench for good. Now, all eyes are on his status for the rest of the tournament.
Image Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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