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.

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.

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.