Matthew Tkachuk Expected to Return for Florida Panthers in Game 1 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Coach Maurice Says

Matthew Tkachuk is expected to return to the Florida Panthers as the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach. Panthers coach Paul Maurice indicated that Tkachuk is "not that far off" from being available, though the team is still assessing his readiness for the start of the postseason. Tkachuk himself has expressed hope to be ready for the playoffs, with the Panthers planning intense practices ahead of their likely Game 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. Media appearances by Tkachuk suggest his return is imminent as the team prepares for the critical playoff series.