Moments ago in tonight's game between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, Matthew Tkachuk had to be helped off the ice after a brutal collision with Nikita Kucherov.
Tkachuk was reaching for a puck in a vulnerable position, and Kucherov laid into him with full force. Kucherov was given a 5 minute major and game misconduct penalty.
After the collision, Tkachuk immediately left the game for medical attention in the Panthers locker room, and has not yet returned to play.
UPDATE: Tkachuk was able to return to play after some time.
Matthew Tkachuk Injured By Brutal Knee on Knee Collision with Nikita Kucherov
Oilers fans have seen plenty of Matthew Tkachuk through his years with the Calgary Flames and last year's Florida Panthers, and could even acknowledge that losing Tkachuk would be a major blow to the team.
After a down year offensively last season, Tkachuk's scoring has picked up over a point per game again this year, with 13 goals and 35 points in 30 games.
The Panthers star got real air-time as his legs whipped around on the collision, clearly landing with force on his knee.
The NHL may be looking at supplemental discipline for Nikita Kucherov on this play. It was avoidable hit on a player in a vulnerable position, and if it leads to a significant injury, there will be more pressure for Kucherov to face consequences.
Fans have been expressing shock over the hit from Kucherov, and concern that it may affect Tkachuk's availability for Team USA at the Four Nations Faceoff.
Even Nikita Kucherov has recently been in Oilers news. NHL insider Jeff Marek recently reported the Oilers nearly traded Leon Draisaitl for Nikita Kucherov in 2019.
Regardless of what happens with Kucherov and Played Safety, this will only intensify one of the NHL's best rivalries at the moment.
Hopefully, Tkachuk is okay and is able to get back on the ice soon - certainly for Team USA.
More details and analysis to come.
