Panthers' Tkachuk returns in Game 1 vs. Lightning

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk returned in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after missing the final 25 contests of the regular season with a lower-body injury.

Tkachuk was injured in a round-robin win over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He missed the following game and was limited to fewer than seven minutes played in USA's championship-game loss.

The Panthers dealt with numerous injuries down the stretch but have nearly a full lineup for Game 1. Aaron Ekblad, who's eligible to return for Game 3 after serving a 20-game suspension for a performance-enhancing substance, is the only regular missing.

Tkachuk lined up in Florida's top six alongside Sam Bennett and Mackie Samoskevich, according to Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson.

Tkachuk registered 57 points in 52 games this season before being sidelined. He had 22 points in 24 postseason contests last spring, helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup.