Matthew, Brady Tkachuk’s Parents Pick Their Side for 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Spencer Garrett Ostrow | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 3:19 PM ET

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially underway, and the quest for Lord Stanley is on.

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is making his seventh postseason appearance in nine NHL seasons. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, is gearing up for his long-awaited playoff debut after seven seasons in the league.

This marks the first time both Tkachuk brothers are playing playoff hockey at the same time—and for the family, that leaves some tough choices. Aside from Sunday’s Game 1 between Ottawa and the Toronto Maple Leafs, every first-round game for both brothers falls on the same day.

During a media session on Sunday before puck drop, Brady Tkachuk revealed the family is "all in on the Sens" for this playoff run.

"They got the Stanley Cup experience last year… they’re all in on the Sens," Brady Tkachuk said.

Matthew Tkachuk has had his family by his side throughout every step of his playoff journey, starting with his rookie season with the Calgary Flames. Last year was no different—his family, including brother Brady Tkachuk, was there to watch him hoist the Stanley Cup after Florida’s Game 7 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Now, it’s Brady Tkachuk’s time. If the Senators can get past the Maple Leafs in the first round, there’s a real chance the Tkachuk brothers could face each other. For that to happen, Matthew and the Panthers will need to take down the Tampa Bay Lightning, too.

In the regular season, the Panthers and Senators played each other three times. Brady Tkachuk got the upper hand, winning two of three.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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