Did Matthew Tkachuk's selfishness cost team USA?

[Crosby2010]

I guess we have short memories. Yzerman and Lemieux both for sure hurt themselves playing in the 2002 Olympics. Lemieux openly said playing in the Olympics was a priority and he played 24 games for the Pens that year. Yzerman's knee was hurt even at that time, and especially in the 2002 playoffs. I don't know about the rest of you, but I certainly don't hold it against a warrior for coming out there and giving his all when he's hurt. Mario at 75% is better than what his replacement would be.

There could have been something in the final game that hurt Tkachuk or that he tweaked or whatever that caused him to sit out the rest of the game. But selfish? No. He's arguably USA's best player, you want to suit him up and hope for the best. A Canada/USA final - in Boston - for all of the marbles in the first best on best in 9 years and there are those who are questioning his commitment?

 

[Fatass]

Yes.

 

[ORRFForever]

I guess we have short memories. Yzerman and Lemieux both for sure hurt themselves playing in the 2002 Olympics. Lemieux openly said playing in the Olympics was a priority and he played 24 games for the Pens that year. Yzerman's knee was hurt even at that time, and especially in the 2002 playoffs. I don't know about the rest of you, but I certainly don't hold it against a warrior for coming out there and giving his all when he's hurt. Mario at 75% is better than what his replacement would be.

There could have been something in the final game that hurt Tkachuk or that he tweaked or whatever that caused him to sit out the rest of the game. But selfish? No. He's arguably USA's best player, you want to suit him up and hope for the best. A Canada/USA final - in Boston - for all of the marbles in the first best on best in 9 years and there are those who are questioning his commitment?

I don't care if MT was selfish - it benefitted Canada. I'm just happy to see the toll its taken on the brothers.

You're NOT 20 anymore, Tkachuks. I hope it hurts - literally and figuratively.

 

[Summer Rose]

I guess we have short memories. Yzerman and Lemieux both for sure hurt themselves playing in the 2002 Olympics. Lemieux openly said playing in the Olympics was a priority and he played 24 games for the Pens that year. Yzerman's knee was hurt even at that time, and especially in the 2002 playoffs. I don't know about the rest of you, but I certainly don't hold it against a warrior for coming out there and giving his all when he's hurt. Mario at 75% is better than what his replacement would be.

There could have been something in the final game that hurt Tkachuk or that he tweaked or whatever that caused him to sit out the rest of the game. But selfish? No. He's arguably USA's best player, you want to suit him up and hope for the best. A Canada/USA final - in Boston - for all of the marbles in the first best on best in 9 years and there are those who are questioning his commitment?

Therein lies the difference, which is why I answered "yes" to the premise of the thread earlier. Mario Lemieux was such an elite player that what you said about him is very true, whereas Matthew Tkachuk at 75% was not better than his replacement likely would have been.

 

[Ratsreign]

Imagine the media coverage and fan outcry if Matt T played for the Leafs. No media and few fans to care down in Florida. Imo this is a larger story in Canada than down there.

Imagine not being able to figure out why hockey might be more popular in Toronto than South Florida

Anyway, 8 of us feel a little more optimistic after seeing this tweet.
The other 7 are still convinced he’s bound for LTIR.

Jameson Olive

@JamesonCoop
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Maurice told @JoeRoseShow this AM that Tkachuk will have more testing done today on his lower-body injury: “There’s a possibility it’s not too serious, but there is a possibility it is a bit longer term. Even with that, he’s playing for us this year.”

9:37 AM · Feb 24, 2025

 

[FerrisRox]

Him, Keller and Robertson will make the roster in 2026. Kreider, Nelson and Trocheck won't.

I think Cole Caufield will be on the '26 team as well.

 

[FerrisRox]

I guess we have short memories. Yzerman and Lemieux both for sure hurt themselves playing in the 2002 Olympics. Lemieux openly said playing in the Olympics was a priority and he played 24 games for the Pens that year.

Not really the same thing though.

The 2001-02 Penguins were a terrible team that finished last in the Atlantic Division that season. Mario gutting it out and playing for his country didn't come at the expense of his NHL club's Stanley Cup chances.

The Florida Panthers are the defending Cup champs, and Matthew Tkahcuk is an irreplaceable part of their roster.

Intentionally playing hurt and possibly aggravating or worsening an injury could have grave implications on the rest of the Panthers season and Tkachuk's "desire to play" may very well have been selfish to his US mates (who could have dressed a player that could actually contribute) and to this teammates back in Miami who might have to do without him.

 

[Fatass]

Imagine not being able to figure out why hockey might be more popular in Toronto than South Florida

Anyway, 8 of us feel a little more optimistic after seeing this tweet.
The other 7 are still convinced he’s bound for LTIR.

Jameson Olive

@JamesonCoop
·
Follow
Maurice told @JoeRoseShow this AM that Tkachuk will have more testing done today on his lower-body injury: “There’s a possibility it’s not too serious, but there is a possibility it is a bit longer term. Even with that, he’s playing for us this year.”

9:37 AM · Feb 24, 2025

This year doesn’t end until Dec 31. The quote didn’t say “this season”.
Hopefully he is back for playoffs, or sooner, but it’s definitely not a certainty.