Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Matthew Tkachuk Reacts to Failed Hit Attempt on Sidney Crosby

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 2:17 PM ET

The moment Matthew Tkachuk tried to deliver a big hit on Sidney Crosby, it turned into a reality check. The failed collision, which went viral after their April 5 clash, left Tkachuk questioning his own strength and preparation.

Speaking on the Wingmen podcast with his brother Brady, Matthew admitted he expected to land a heavy hit but instead bounced off Crosby. The impact sent him tumbling, while Crosby barely moved. The Pittsburgh Penguins star absorbed the contact with ease.

"Mine and Crosby's little collision, where I went flying," Matthew said the Crosby moment. "I definitely went in to go hit him, and I bounced off Brady. He is so strong. It- right in that moment, when I got back to the bench, I'm like, 'Holy [expletive], Matthew, like, you gotta work out very hard this summer. Like you have a long way to go.'"

Brady added that Crosby is built differently and is difficult to match physically.

"Yeah, I feel like he's just built so different, that it's just like, no matter how many K box squats, how many goblet squats, how many lunges, it just doesn't matter," Brady said.

"Holy s**t, Matthew, you gotta work out very hard this summer."

Matthew talks about his failed hit on Sidney Crosby pic.twitter.com/3uwC068aoS
— Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk (@Wingmenpod) April 8, 2026

During the same game, Crosby recorded another dominant performance, helping the Penguins secure a 5–2 win over the Florida Panthers.

Crosby also reached another milestone, extending his record to 21 straight seasons averaging at least a point per game. That consistency continues to separate him from every other player in NHL history.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) warms up before a game at Benchmark International Arena.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

And Matthew recognized that, and described Crosby as a childhood hero.

"Our childhood hero, one of our childhood heroes, and, like, just still some plays he made. He did a spin around a backhand pass, like a vintage," Matthew said. "It's on his backhand, he's so sick. They announced on the jumbotron that 21 straight seasons of a point per game [for Crosby] or better."

For Tkachuk, who is known for his physical style, he rarely loses those battles. However, this play clearly humbled him and showed the level required to compete with Crosby, who is one of the league’s all-time greats.

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

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