Panthers may be missing star player for must-win game 5

Down three games to one in the Stanley Cup Final, it's hard to imagine things getting any more urgent for the Florida Panthers. However, they just might.

According to the latest reports, there is no guarantee that star player Matthew Tkachuk will suit up in game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. This would be a huge blow to Florida, who have relied on Tkachuk for clutch goals and plays throughout the playoffs.

Tkachuk sat on the bench for most of the third period of game 4 as the Panthers' coaching staff knew he was hurting, but wanted to keep him in the game in case a big play was needed. Tkachuk almost pulled it off, too. Following the game, Tkachuk was asked if his injury stemmed from a big hit from Keegan Kolesar in game 3. Tkachuk either didn't know or didn't want to say.





It will be an uphill battle either way for Florida, but missing Tkachuk would make things that much more harder. The Panthers have to win three games in a row to win the Stanley Cup, while Vegas just needs one more victory.