NHL Fans Criticize Matthew Tkachuk for Dirty Hit Attempt at End of Game 1
The Toronto Maple Leafs took the win in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Florida Panthers, but the game ended on a controversial note.
With just one second left on the clock, Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk seemed to target Mitch Marner for a hit along the boards, despite the outcome of the game already being decided.
It appeared that Tkachuk was trying to send a message by launching himself at Marner, but the Maple Leafs forward managed to avoid the hit with a quick sidestep.
Tkachuk at the end of the game on Marner pic.twitter.com/F4IVRjHjtH
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) May 6, 2025
The attempted hit didn’t go unnoticed by fans, especially on social media. While the game had already seen its share of physical play, many Toronto supporters felt that Tkachuk’s actions in the final moments were reckless and dangerous, criticizing him for a move that could’ve resulted in an injury.
Matthew Tkachuk blatantly trying to do nothing but injure Mitch Marner once the game is over. pic.twitter.com/5qCOCF9ZX9
— Ernie Clement Enjoyer (@Hockey_Is_All) May 6, 2025
Not everyone agreed, though. Some fans defended Tkachuk, saying that the level of physicality was just part of the intensity of playoff hockey.
With Game 2 on the horizon, tensions could be high, and it’s clear that many fans are upset over what they saw as a dirty play by Tkachuk at the end of the opening game.
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