Apr 24, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) controls the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Avoids Discipline for Questionable Hit

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 11:45 AM ET

The Battle of Florida continues to be one of the most intense rivalries in the NHL, and Game 3 took things to another level for the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. With the game winding down, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk delivered a crunching hit on Lightning forward Jake Guentzel.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Panthers' star forward is avoiding any major discipline for his questionable hit against the Lightning. Pagnotta shared the update via his X account.

"For those curious," he wrote. "There will be no hearing for Matthew Tkachuk for his hit on Jake Guentzel in Saturday's game."

For those curious, there will be no hearing for Matthew Tkachuk by @NHLPlayerSafety for his hit on Jake Guentzel in Saturday’s game.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) April 27, 2025

Tkachuk's hit drew criticism from the Lightning, with many hoping the Panthers forward would be suspended. Guentzel urged the NHL to do their job, indicating they should discipline Tkachuk for the hit. The Lightning's Head Coach, Jon Cooper, was similarly frustrated with the hit in his postgame comments.

The Department of Player Safety felt otherwise. With the update from Pagnotta, it means that Tkachuk will not be suspended for the hit. With the Department providing no other update in the meantime, it appears Tkachuk will receive no discipline at all for the incident.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman provided some reasons for no supplemental discipline via his X account. According to his sources, the reasoning for no fine or suspension is that the league viewed the hit as having less force than the one that resulted in Lightning forward Brandon Hagel's suspension, and there was no head contact.

There will be no hearing/supplemental discipline for Matthew Tkachuk

Reasoning as I understand it:
*Force of hit not considered at level of Hagel/Barkov
*No head contact
*Guentzel touched puck
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 27, 2025

The Lightning will disagree with the league's view on the matter, but they'll need to move on quickly. The Lightning won a crucial Game 3 against the Panthers, giving them life in the opening round series. Tampa can tie the series with a win in Game 4, but they'll have to be smart and calculated in how they approach the Panthers and Tkachuk in their next contest.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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