“We are not worthy. Oh my goodness. Mr. Tkachuk, we are not worthy,” exclaimed Charles Barkley after witnessing Matthew Tkachuk score the series-clinching goal with just 4.3 seconds remaining in Game 4, completing a sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes and propelling the Florida Panthers to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. In the end, the Panthers reached the Finals, where they encountered the Vegas Golden Knights, who clinched their championship in the 2022-23 season.

However, the narrative shifted in the 2023-24 season, as the Panthers clinched the Stanley Cup by overcoming the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7. This year, the prospects look promising for the Panthers. On Bleacher Report’s YouTube channel, Barkley has revealed his selections for each upcoming postseason game. And would you believe it? The outcome he selected for Matthew Tkachuk and his team was brutal.

With a deep breath, the NBA icon remarked, “Man, I can’t.” Nonetheless, Barkley raised a pertinent question, asking, “Yeah, but is [Matthew] Tkachuk playing is the question.” Additionally, he expressed curiosity regarding the recent significant trade involving the Panthers, remarking, “And they got [Brad] Marchand at the trade deadline, too.” In making the ultimate choice between the Panthers and the Lightning, he remarked, “You know what? I’m going with the hot goalie. My man, [Andrei] Vasilevskiy. I’m going with him.”

The NBA legend selected Tampa Bay as the victor of the Florida Derby in the postseason. Barkley has demonstrated an interest in hockey and has connections to the sport. It is worth mentioning that he shares a friendship with Lightning head coach Jon Cooper, indicating a potential familiarity with key players on the team, such as Vasilevskiy.

The Lightning’s goalie participated in 63 regular-season matches, securing a record of 38 wins, 20 losses, and 5 OTs. His performance showcased a 2.18 GAA, a .921 save percentage, and six shutouts, placing him among the elite goaltenders in the league across these metrics. Returning to the Panthers, is the entire roster engaged in practice as they prepare for the playoffs?

The Florida Panthers look serious

Recall the moment when the coach of the Florida Panthers, Paul Maurice, commented on the rivalry with the Tampa Bay Lightning, expressing, “I think there’s a really healthy respect.” He further stated, “Everybody is possible for Game 1.” This marked a significant development for Panthers supporters, as they could potentially see one of their key forwards return to the lineup. Whom am I referring to? Clearly, the choice is Matthew Tkachuk.

Brady’s brother was missing from the lineup due to a groin injury he incurred during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Recently, a report by George Richards stated: “Matthew Tkachuk is on the ice for the Florida Panthers this morning wearing top-6 white. Nothing has started yet.” Additionally, the social media footage highlighted Tkachuk on the ice, stick in hand, with a puck evidently under his control.

Maurice’s choice to avoid pushing his player too hard during the regular season appears to have produced favorable outcomes. This time was used for Tkachuk to fully recover from the injury. Richards did note, however, that the whole team attended the practice, which demonstrates Maurice’s commitment to the playoffs.