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Matthew Tkachuk Delivers Blunt Message After Fourth Straight Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abhilasha Aditi | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 12:15 PM ET

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk spoke after the team’s fourth straight loss, giving a clear view of their current struggles.

The Panthers, who won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the last two seasons, have struggled this year. They sit 28-24-3 and 8th in the Atlantic Division.

Tkachuk returned from surgery on a torn adductor and sports hernia, which he suffered in Aug. 2025. He gradually returned to practice in January and played his first game back on Jan. 19 against the San Jose Sharks, which the team lost 4-1.

After the 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Tkachuk said the team had moved away from its style of play.

“We just got away from our game, we didn’t play that [way] the whole game, and then it got away from us,” he said on Monday.

pic.twitter.com/Hx0hBXX4WI
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) February 3, 2026

Tkachuk added that while other teams may have more individual skill, following their own style is key to success. He also noted the effort of players trying to earn ice time.

“Some of the guys in right now, I’m seeing them just work their absolute [Expletive] off…so we are in trouble right now,” he said.

This season, Tkachuk has played eight games, recording two goals and four assists for six points. He averages 19:23 of ice time per game and has contributed one power-play goal and three power-play assists.

The Panthers have struggled with scoring and defense, averaging three goals per game while allowing 3.27, ranking 26th in goals against. Recent losses to Winnipeg, St. Louis, Utah, and Buffalo have shown their struggles in close games.

Tkachuk is expected to play in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. While he started contributing to Florida’s offense, the team will need to improve its performance in the coming weeks.

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

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