On Monday night, Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk made a triumphant return to the Stanley Cup Final after absorbing a heavy hit in Game 2. The 22-year-old forward had been sidelined for the past two games due to the injury, but he was back in the lineup for Game 5 and made an immediate impact.
Tkachuk had been a key contributor for the Flames throughout the playoffs, and his absence was felt in Games 3 and 4. He had scored four goals and three assists in the first two games of the series, and his return provided a much-needed spark for the Flames.
The hit that sidelined Tkachuk occurred in the second period of Game 2 when he was checked by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn. The hit was deemed legal by the referees, but it was still a hard hit that sent Tkachuk to the locker room.
Fortunately, Tkachuk was able to return to action and provide a boost to his team. He finished the game with an assist and two shots on goal, and he was a major factor in the Flames’ 5-4 overtime victory.
Tkachuk’s return to action is a testament to his toughness and dedication. He showed no signs of being intimidated by the physicality of the game, and he was able to make an immediate impact on the game.
The Flames will need Tkachuk to continue to be a major contributor if they are going to win the Stanley Cup. His presence in the lineup gives them a much better chance at success, and his return is a major boost for the team.