Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is a Stanley Cup champion, however it’s not even near being probably the most memorable second in his hockey profession.
The NHL veteran appeared on “The Tonight Present with Jimmy Fallon” on Monday to debate the 4 Nations Face-Off remaining, which led to heartbreak for the Individuals following a 3-2 additional time loss to Canada.
Group USA ahead Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates his objective in opposition to Group Finland within the third interval throughout a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey sport at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Pictures)
Tkachuk mirrored on the event, which he had beforehand known as the “largest sport” he has ever performed in.
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“The final two weeks representing my nation was one thing I’ll always remember,” he mentioned.
In his second season with the Panthers, Tkachuk helped the Panthers again to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight yr, once they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven video games to grow to be the 2024 Stanley Cup champions – a primary for Tkachuk.
Even so, Tkachuk was adamant that taking part in for the U.S. within the 4 Nations Face-Off was nonetheless the most important sport of his profession.
“It actually was such a giant event and such an enormous stage and one thing I’ll always remember,” he informed Fallon.
Group USA ahead Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski, #8, his objective in opposition to Group Finland within the third interval throughout a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey sport at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025. (David Kirouac-Imagn Pictures)
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“The factor that I’m most pleased with with that group was how a lot delight we confirmed in representing our nation and being Individuals. We’re so fortunate to be from this nice nation and to have the ability to signify [that].”
He continued, “Simply to have the ability to signify and look down and see the USA crest – there’s nothing that’ll beat that. So, it’s unimaginable.”
Final week’s remaining got here amid heightened political tensions between Canada and the U.S. President Donald Trump teased Canadian lawmakers in regards to the nation turning into its “51st state.” He additionally overtly known as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “governor” of Canada and threatened a collection of tariffs.
The depth led to Canadian followers booing the American nationwide anthem earlier than two video games within the event – one thing that fueled Group USA on the ice.
Group United States ahead Matthew Tkachuk, #19, and Group Canada ahead brandon Hagel, #38, struggle within the first interval throughout a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey sport on the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Pictures)
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The 4 Nations remaining drew in huge rankings.
As the primary best-on-best event in round a decade, the sport was watched by 16.1 million viewers in North America for the second-most watched hockey sport prior to now decade.
The primary? Tkachuk’s Recreation 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup finals, which drew in 16.3 million viewers.
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