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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.
Not looking good for Florida. Vegas might finally break the curse and after all these years get a cup.
Looking more like that’s true now.