Matthew Tkachuk wins Olympic gold and immediately has a message for his country that's empowering
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Bruce Raymond
Feb 22, 2026 (12:05)
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Photo credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Tkachuk brothers win Olympic gold for Team USA, and Florida Panthers fans can feel the swagger hit the room instantly.
The Americans finally climbed back to the top, beating Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday, February 22.
Jack Hughes buried the winner 1:41 into OT, and Connor Hellebuyck turned away 41 shots to keep it alive long enough.
That’s the part Panthers fans will replay, because it screams playoff hockey, tight ice, heavy shifts, and zero space.
But the part that sticks is what Matthew Tkachuk did after the horn, when he made the moment about his country and his brother.
Matthew wanted to take interviews with Brady, and he sounded like a guy carrying the whole flag in his chest.
He basically said the U.S. earned this, they’ve been close for a long time, and they deserve to have the game right now.
For Panthers fans, that’s the same engine you’ve seen, the “follow me” energy that drags a bench into the fight.
Matthew Tkachuk makes Florida Panthers fans believe again
Panthers fans have been stressed all year, but this felt like a reminder that your star lives for the biggest nights.
Back in the NHL grind, Florida sits at 29-25-3, and the stretch run is going to be a grind on tired legs.
Tkachuk’s NHL line so far is 3-5-8, and yes, it’s been choppy, but this gold run is the kind of lift that can reset a season.
Brady’s having a monster year in Ottawa at 14-23-37, and watching them celebrate together tells you how much that family bond matters in pressure games.
The best part for Florida is simple, this isn’t just a medal, it’s a confidence deposit.
If Tkachuk comes back with that same edge on the forecheck and the same snarl around the crease, the Panthers’ top-six gets louder fast.
Now it’s on the Panthers to turn that Olympic adrenaline into points, starting with the very next puck drop.
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