When the Panthers began their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tkachuk was in the lineup for Game 1 and announced his presence in a big way. The Panthers winger tallied two goals and an assist in a dominant 6-2 win to get the Stanley Cup Playoffs started on the right foot.

Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk said he tore his hip adductor and suffered a hernia but played through the injuries during Florida’s second straight Stanley Cup run.

Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito is credited with building a dynasty team, leading them to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. Zito's key acquisitions include Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Brad Marchand, along with shrewd waiver claims and trades.