Florida Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk exited Game 3 and wasn't on the bench to start the second period after taking a big hit from Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar in the opening frame Thursday.
Keegan Kolesar with a hit on Matthew Tkachuk. 😳 pic.twitter.com/qw8kUj1C7g— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2023
Here's another look at the collision:
Kolesar hit Tkachuk hard at the Florida blue line#VegasBorn | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/ExMfomcEy0— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) June 9, 2023
Tkachuk didn't head down the tunnel immediately after the hit - he stayed out for one shift on the power play after Vegas forward William Carrier went off for high-sticking Sam Bennett. Heading into Thursday's clash, Tkachuk led the Cardiac Cats with 22 points in 18 games, staking his claim as a front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy.Tkachuk forced Jack Eichel to briefly leave Monday's Game 2 after leveling him with a huge hit, but the Golden Knights star said he had no issue with the contact.
