Florida panthers Star Matthew Tkachuk is a Stanley Cup champion, but he’s not even close to being the most memorable moment of his hockey career.
The NHL The veteran appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on Monday to discuss the final of the 4 nations, which ended with sorrow for the Americans after a 3-2 prolongation defeat for Canada.
The United States team striker Matthew Tkachuk, # 19, celebrates his goal against the Finland team in the third period in a 4 nations ice hockey match at the Bell Center. (Images of David Kirouac-Imagn)
Tkachuk thought about the tournament, which he had previously called the “biggest game” in which he ever played.
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“The last two weeks representing my country were something that I will never forget,” he said.
In his second season with the panthers, Tkachuk helped the Panthers return to the Stanley Cup final for the second consecutive year, when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers In seven games to become Champions of the Stanley 2024 Cup – a first for Tkachuk.
Despite this, Tkachuk was categorical that playing for the United States in the confrontation of the 4 nations was still the biggest game in his career.
“It was really a big tournament and such a huge scene and something that I will never forget,” he told Fallon.
The United States team striker Matthew Tkachuk, # 19, celebrates defender Zach Werenski, # 8, his goal against the Finland team in the third period in an ice hockey match of 4 nations at Bell Center on February 13, 2025. (Images of David Kirouac-Imagn)
Charles Barkley aims Canada after the victory of 4 nations: “They did not want to be the 51st state”
“What I am most proud of with this team is how we have shown pride by representing our country and being Americans. We are so lucky to be of this great country and to be able to represent [that]. “”
He continued: “Just to be able to represent and look down and see the United States – there is nothing that will beat that. So, it’s incredible.”
Last week’s final came in the midst of increased political tensions Between Canada and the United States President Donald Trump has teased Canadian legislators about the country to become his “51st state”. He also openly called the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “governor” of Canada and threatened A series of prices.
The intensity led Canadian fans who flow the American national anthem before two tournament games – something that fueled the American team on ice.
The United States striker Matthew Tkachuk, # 19, and team striker Brandon Hagel, # 38, were fighting in the first period in an ice hockey match of the 4 nations at the Bell Center. (Images Eric Bolte-Imagn)
The final of the 4 nations has attracted massive notes.
As the first best blow tournament in about a decade, the match was watched by 16.1 million viewers in North America for the second hockey game watched in the past decade.
The first? Tkachuk match 7 of the Stanley 2024 Cup final, which attracted 16.3 million viewers.
