Florida Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk was able to return to Game 3 after a big hit from Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar forced him to exit in the first period.
He wasn't on the bench to start the middle frame of Thursday's clash, but he checked back into the game just over four minutes into the stanza.
Tkachuk didn't head down the tunnel immediately after the hit from Kolesar - he stayed out for one shift on the power play after Vegas forward William Carrier went off for high-sticking Sam Bennett.
Keegan Kolesar with a hit on Matthew Tkachuk. 😳 pic.twitter.com/qw8kUj1C7g
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2023
Here's another look at the collision:
Kolesar hit Tkachuk hard at the Florida blue line#VegasBorn | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/ExMfomcEy0
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) June 9, 2023
Heading into Thursday's clash, Tkachuk led the Cardiac Cats with 22 points in 18 games, staking his claim as a front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Tkachuk forced Jack Eichel to briefly leave Monday's Game 2 after leveling him with a huge hit, but the Golden Knights star said he had no issue with the contact.
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