The challenge couldn't be steeper for the Florida Panthers, as they stare down the barrel of a loaded Vegas Golden Knights squad who stand a mere victory away from hoisting the illustrious Stanley Cup. The Panthers now face a formidable uphill battle; they have to pull off a hat trick of wins in the face of mounting adversity. The pressing question remains: will Tkachuk be able to suit up for the next bout? <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/AdoHernandez27/status/1666999308196139009'> </a></blockquote></div> Last Saturday, the air hung heavy with tension as Matthew Tkachuk, notably one of the standouts this postseason, was conspicuously side-lined for nearly the entire third period. His struggle with an apparent injury was evident, leaving his participation in the forthcoming games shrouded in mystery. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/russohockey/status/1668228692613517317?s=46&t=o-Q0QckAboRGrsPBT1vFrQ'> </a></blockquote></div> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/sig_50/status/1665952182481321986'> </a></blockquote></div> Since the playoff's initial puck drop, Tkachuk has skated circles around the opposition. With an impressive tally of 24 points from 20 games, his name is on everyone's lips as a top contender for the coveted Conn Smythe trophy. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JLazzy23/status/1665803045001900032'> </a></blockquote></div> As seen on - <a href='https://www.hockeypatrol.com/nhl/stanley-cup/Matthew-Tkachuk-Future-Hangs-in-the-Balance-as-Game-Five-Approaches' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Matthew Tkachuk's Future Hangs in the Balance as Game Five Approaches</a>