NHL star Matthew Tkachuk reflects on 4 Nations final: ‘We’re so lucky to be from this great country’

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Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is a Stanley Cup champion, but it is not even close to being the most memorable moment in his hockey career. 

The NHL veteran appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday to discuss the 4 Nations Face-Off final, which ended in heartbreak for the Americans following a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada. 

Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Tkachuk reflected on the tournament, which he had previously called the "biggest game" he has ever played in. 

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"The last two weeks representing my country was something I’ll never forget," he said. 

In his second season with the Panthers, Tkachuk helped the Panthers back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year, when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to become the 2024 Stanley Cup champions – a first for Tkachuk. 

Even so, Tkachuk was adamant that playing for the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off was still the biggest game of his career. 

"It really was such a big tournament and such a huge stage and something I’ll never forget," he told Fallon.

Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski, #8, his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

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