Paul Maurice: Florida Panthers Without Tkachuk in Montreal (For a Very Good Reason)

Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice meets the media before his team plays the host Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The Panthers were swept in their weekend Pittsburgh series by a total of 14-6.

With the loss Saturday, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champs were officially eliminated from the postseason.

On Sunday, the Panthers got goals by Cole Schwindt and Carter Verhaeghe.

Daniil Tarasov started the second game after playing the second half of Saturday’s game. He will play again tonight against the Canadiens.

Florida will be without Matthew Tkachuk after he returned to South Florida for the birth of his first child.

The Panthers continues their five-game road trip with the final three in Canada starting Tuesday in Montreal.

Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / @FlaPanthers / Panthers Vision

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Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision