PROUD DAD
Matthew Tkachuk’s father in tears as NHL legend watches son lead Florida Panthers to first Stanley Cup win in history
Matthew's father wasn't the only NHL star family member to show emotions in the stands
MATTHEW Tkachuk's father and NHL legend Keith was seen wiping away tears as he watched his son win the Stanley Cup for the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers won the first title of its franchise's history after their thrilling 2-1 Game 7 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Sunrise, Florida on Monday night.
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Sergei Bobrovsky and the Panthers kept three-time MVP Connor McDavid and the Oilers from coming back down 3-0 with their Game 7 win.
Once the final game of the NHL season was over, the ESPN cameras pointed to star Tkachuk's father Keith, who was seen in the stands crying and wiping his face.
Keith was also alongside his wife, Chantal, and his son Brady Tkachuk, who's an NHL star and plays for the Ottawa Senators.
Chantal was clapping while Brady was smiling and could be seen yelling out, "Oh my god!"
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The trio then hugged during the TV sequence.
Matthew was interviewed after the contest by ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan and was asked about the feeling of winning the Cup.
"It's not a dream anymore, it's a reality," said the 26-year-old who got traded to Florida in 2022.
"I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. ... I can’t believe how good these two years have been.
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"So thankful for this group of guys. It’s the best place, best guys.
"It’s something really special here with what we have."
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During the interview, Matthew also shared that he won the championship for his father, who didn't win a title in his 18 seasons in the NHL despite being one of only five American-born players in league history with more than 500 career goals.
The two-time All-Star also sent kind words to his younger 24-year-old brother Brady, who has appeared in four consecutive All-Star Games.
"I know my brother (Brady) is going to do it very soon," Matthew said.
"He’s an unbelievable player built for the playoffs, I can’t wait to see him play in the playoffs and a Stanley Cup final soon, he’s too good."
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While Matthew recorded zero points in Game 7, other Panthers stepped up as Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals apiece and Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves.
Florida avoided a historic collapse as they won the first three games of the series, then lost the next three before winning on Monday.
They would've joined the 1942 Detroit Red Wings as the only teams to lose the final after having a 3-0 lead in the championship round.
McDavid won the Conn Smythe as MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs after recording a postseason record 34 assists.
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The Oilers couldn't snap Canada's title drought as it's been 1993 since a team residing in Canada has won the Cup.
Florida won the Cup final after losing in the title round last year to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.