NHL Concludes Review of Matthew Tkachuk's Game 3 Incident

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will not face any further disciplinary action for his late-game hit on Tampa Bay Lightning’s Jake Guentzel in Game 3. 

Although Tkachuk was assessed a five-minute major penalty for interference, the NHL deemed no additional punishment necessary. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, key factors in the decision included the absence of head contact and the fact that Guentzel had briefly touched the puck before the hit.

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

This incident follows Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel receiving a one-game suspension for his interference penalty on Florida’s Aleksander Barkov in Game 2. While both hits resulted in five-minute majors, Friedman suggests Tkachuk’s hit may have been deemed less forceful than Hagel’s. 

Additionally, as noted by The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Barkov had not played the puck before being hit and left Game 2, though he returned for Game 3.

While the hit was late, Guentzel played the puck prior - and there was no head contact. On the Hagel hit on Barkov, Barkov never played the puck. It’s my understanding these are the major factors by the DOPS and why there’s no hearing for Tkachuk.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) April 27, 2025

Tkachuk’s hit sparked frustration among Lightning players, including captain Victor Hedman, who criticized its timing—coming as Tampa Bay was scoring an empty-net goal to seal a 5-1 victory. 

Hedman told reporters, including the Tampa Bay Times’ Eduardo A. Encina, that the team has no control over suspension decisions.

With Hagel eligible to return for Game 4 on Monday, it remains to be seen whether emotions will stay elevated. He was instrumental in Florida’s playoff success last season with 22 points in 24 games and has started strong this postseason with three goals and an assist in three games. 

As for Guentzel, he appears unhurt and ready for Game 4, continuing his strong playoff performance. 

As highlighted on the Lightning’s website by Benjamin Pierce, the 30-year-old winger shares the seventh-highest goals-per-game average in NHL playoff history with Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl.

The Panthers currently lead the series 2-1.

Image - Sam Navarro-Imagn