Edmonton found the net in Game Four of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the suspension of Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk looms large after an intense clash with Oilers' captain Connor McDavid.
Despite a strong comeback effort by the Edmonton Oilers on home ice in Game Four after three consecutive losses to the Florida Panthers, the game was not without drama. With the Panthers trailing 5-1, tensions escalated in the second period, resulting in a skirmish that required intervention as Matthew Tkachuk and Connor McDavid clashed.
During the altercation, Tkachuk was observed striking the Oilers' captain, adding to the physicality that has characterized this series.
Despite calls from many Oilers fans for a suspension of the Panthers superstar, the 5 PM ET deadline has officially passed without any further discipline for No. 19.
Now that 5 pm EST has passed, it is official that Matthew Tkachuk will NOT be receiving any supplementary discipline for jumping a defenseless Connor McDavid
Just days ago, there were expectations of a Leon Draisaitl suspension following his hit in game two, but with no further punishment, it's unsurprising that Tkachuk will be ready to play in game four. As the series shifts back to Florida, the Oilers must maintain their dominance to stay in the series, so anticipate continued high intensity.