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Matthew Tkachuk Sends Clear Warning Ahead of Game 2 Showdown as Panthers Prepare to Return Home

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Julien Trekker | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 11:22 AM ET

Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk sent a clear warning ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Florida Panthers hadn't lost a game after leading after one period until last Wednesday. Paul Maurice's team held a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes, but the Oilers bounced back to force overtime and won 4-3. After the fact, Oilers forward Evander Kane took shots at Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk.

Tonight, the Oilers will have an opportunity to increase their lead to two and return to Florida with a chance of sweeping Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers out of the playoffs.

However, it won't be easier said than done. The Panthers will only be tougher to play against as we get deeper in the series.

Yesterday, Matthew Tkachuk opened up on his team's situation, as well as what they can do to get back in the lead against the Oilers.

He stated that his group's experience and willingness to adjust could come into play tomorrow, for Game 2, as the Panthers look to tie the series before flying back home:

'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.'

Head coach of the team Paul Maurice, opened up on his team's toughness and how prepared the group is to handle the situation, whatever stands in front of them:

'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.'

While the Panthers have experience in the Finals, the Oilers have too, and theirs was much more painful than what felt the Panthers last year.

It took Florida a loss in the Final before winning a Stanley Cup, and the Oilers will look to walk on the same path.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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