Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk makes bold admission on team's mentality after thumping win against Oilers - " Spear, slash in the face"

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk spoke honestly after the team's 6-1 win in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Edmonton took 16 penalties in the third period, adding up to 75 minutes. It also included a delay of the game by Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner at 2:19 for shooting the puck over the glass.

When asked about how the Panthers handled the physical game, Tkachuk said they stayed smart and focused.

"We talked about it in the third," Tkachuk told the media postgame. "If you have to take a punch, take a punch. If you have to take a cross-check, take a cross-check. Spear, slash in the face, whatever the case is, you've got to take it. We just played a really smart game."

Matthew Tkachuk had one assist in the game in his 15 minutes and 40 seconds of game time and a +1 rating. Despite registering two assists in three games in the Final and still searching for a goal, he continues to help the team with strong physical plays and energy.

In the 2024-25 playoffs, Tkachuk has five goals and 13 assists in 20 games. His key plays in every round have helped Florida stay strong through the postseason.

The Panthers forward - with 22 goals and 35 assists in 78 games in the regular season - hasn't notched his highest-scoring season, but has been a key figure in the team's quest to retain the Stanley Cup.

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Panthers' Brad Marchand praised Sam Bennett's performance

Game 3 also showed how important Sam Bennett is to the Florida Panthers. Early in the second period, Bennett hit Vasily Podkolzin hard and followed it with another hit on John Klingberg. The puck moved from him to Matthew Tkachuk, then to Eetu Luostarinen. Luostarinen gave it back to Bennett, who was skating fast toward the net.

Sam Bennett finished the play with a great backhand goal. Brad Marchand praised Bennett after the game, following his 14th goal of the playoffs, the most among all players.

"He’s been an animal this whole playoffs," Marchand said, via NHL.com. "He’s built for this time of year, just how competitive he is and how intense. Obviously you see the physicality piece."

Marchand added that Bennett’s goal showed everything he brings.

"That shift was a perfect example of his game," Marchand said. "He blows two guys up and then somehow leads the rush after that and scored a beautiful goal."

Sam Bennett now has four goals in the Final, one in each win. He has scored in four straight games, setting a Panthers playoff record. He also has six assists and 20 total points this postseason.