Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is a Stanley Cup champion, but it is not even close to being the most memorable moment in his hockey career.
The NHL veteran appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on Monday to discuss the 4 Nations Face-Off final, which ended in heartbreak for the Americans following a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada.
Tkachuk reflected on the tournament, which he had previously called the “biggest game” he has ever played in.
“The last two weeks representing my country was something I’ll never forget,” he said.
In his second season with the Panthers, Tkachuk helped the Panthers back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year, when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to become the 2024 Stanley Cup champions – a first for Tkachuk.
Even so, Tkachuk was adamant that playing for the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off was still the biggest game of his career.
“It really was such a big tournament and such a huge stage and something I’ll never forget,” he told Fallon.
“The thing that I’m most proud of with that team was how much pride we showed in representing our country and being Americans. We’re so lucky to be from this great country and to be able to represent [that].”
He continued, “Just to be able to represent and look down and see the USA crest – there’s nothing that’ll beat that. So, it’s incredible.”
Last week’s final came amid heightened political tensions between Canada and the U.S. President Donald Trump teased Canadian lawmakers about the country becoming its “51st state.” He also openly called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “governor” of Canada and threatened a series of tariffs.
The intensity led to Canadian fans booing the American national anthem before two games in the tournament – something that fueled Team USA on the ice.
The 4 Nations final drew in massive ratings.
As the first best-on-best tournament in around a decade, the game was watched by 16.1 million viewers in North America for the second-most watched hockey game in the past decade.
The first? Tkachuk’s Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup finals, which drew in 16.3 million viewers.
News
The Old-School Gut Cleanse People Still Swear By: Garlic, Lemon & Ginger
The Old-School Gut Cleanse People Still Swear By: Garlic, Lemon & Ginger For generations, people around the world have turned to simple kitchen ingredients when their stomach felt “off.” Long before expensive powders, trendy detox kits, and social media cleanses…
Beetroot Is Becoming the Internet’s Favorite Natural Drink for Blood Sugar Support
A bright red root vegetable once mostly associated with salads and juice bars is now at the center of a growing wellness trend. Across social media, thousands of people are talking about beetroot and its potential role in helping support…
The 3-Ingredient Morning Drink People Are Talking About for Bloating, Cravings, and “Stubborn Fat”
The 3-Ingredient Morning Drink People Are Talking About for Bloating, Cravings, and “Stubborn Fat” A homemade drink made with cinnamon, lemon, and salt is gaining attention online as a simple wellness ritual people swear helps them feel lighter, less bloated,…
The 4-Ingredient Detox Drink People Are Using for Kidney, Liver & Urinary Health — But Does It Really Work?
⚠️ The 4-Ingredient Detox Drink People Are Using for Kidney, Liver & Urinary Health — But Does It Really Work? Millions of people walk around every day feeling exhausted, bloated, inflamed, or constantly uncomfortable without fully understanding why. Sometimes it…
The Amish Foot Remedy Americans Are Suddenly Talking About — Could Ginger Really Help Ease Knee, Foot & Back Pain Naturally?
Every morning, millions of Americans wake up already exhausted by pain. Some feel it the second their feet touch the floor — sharp aches in the heels, burning arches, stiff knees that refuse to bend normally, or lower back pain…
My phone stayed silent for three days, and that silence felt like a rehearsal for the rest of my life.
My phone stayed silent for three days, and that silence felt like a rehearsal for the rest of my life. I moved quietly through Austin, slipping into a small café on South Congress that smelled like fresh bread, roasted coffee…
End of content
No more pages to load
