Tkachuk confident ahead of Game 5: 'We're gonna go' win
Matthew Tkachuk is confident the Florida Panthers will get the job done in Tuesday night's Game 5 to win the Stanley Cup.
"We have a chance to go capture the biggest goal of our lives tonight," Tkachuk said, per NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "We're gonna go do that."
The Panthers failed in their first attempt to clinch the series Saturday, losing to the Edmonton Oilers 8-1. But that shellacking hasn't robbed Tkachuk of his belief.
"I think this two-day break was really good for us to reset, re-evaluate where we're at right now, and absolutely enjoy the position we're in," he said. "Couldn't have dreamed of a better spot."
Tkachuk has been relatively quiet in the Stanley Cup Final, producing one assist in four games. However, he was integral to getting Florida to this point, tallying five goals and 15 helpers in 21 playoff contests. He said he's looking to have his "best game of the series" Tuesday.
Fellow assistant captain Aaron Ekblad also appears to be soaking in the moment.
"It's another opportunity, right? Another brilliant chance. An opportunity to realize our dream," Ekblad said. "We're excited and anxious to get it going."
The Panthers have lost consecutive games only once this postseason, dropping Games 2 and 3 to the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final.