Matthew Tkachuk Sends a Clear Message Following Game 1 Loss to the Oilers

Panthers assistant captain Matthew Tkachuk had a simple message about both teams in the aftermath of the game that will have fans of not only both teams but impartial observers fired up.

They're better. We're better. It's going to be a great series.

Tkachuk, who won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers last year in the thrilling 7-game win over the Oilers, knows that he and the rest of his teammates have what it takes to bounce back after the disappointing opening game loss.

We're a very strong group mentally, so I'd say it's more technical than mental. We've got a lot of battle scars on us from the last few years. We've been through way worse than that yesterday. We can be better. We can adjust a few things, come out tomorrow and try to get a win here.

Coach Paul Maurice also spoke about the mental fortitude that his club has become known by since he arrived in 2022.

It's just experience. You go through enough tough days after losses. Every [loss] in the playoffs feels like a weight. You just go through the next day and know how to handle it.

Both clubs play each other once again on Friday evening at Rogers Place.