With the regular season ending on April 15, the Panthers hope that Tkachuk will be able to return to the lineup during the first round of the playoffs, which should begin a few days later. “That’s what we’re shooting for, depending on when those games get scheduled,” Maurice said.

Matthew Tkachuk has taken the next step to his return from injury. The Florida Panthers’ star winger, who is on long-term injured reserve while sidelined with an apparent groin injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off,

Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk has hit the ice for the first time since the injury but the good news stops there it seems.