On Thursday, Matthew Tkachuk, who played a key role in the Florida Panthers’ second Stanley Cup victory, revealed his unexpected choice for a life-saving shootout goal. When asked to name one player to score such a goal, Tkachuk surprisingly picked retired Washington Capitals winger T.J. Oshie instead of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky.
Tkachuk explained,
“One of my favorite moments in sports history was watching Oshie in the four-shootout-goal game, so I’m going to take Oshie.”
The Legacy Behind Oshie’s Shootout Prowess
Tkachuk was referring to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where Oshie dazzled by scoring four shootout goals against Russia, securing a crucial win for Team USA during the group stage. At 27 years old, Oshie displayed remarkable composure and skill in a high-pressure setting.
Oshie’s knack for shootout success extended into his NHL career, where he tallied 49 shootout goals over 16 seasons. This total ties him for third place in league history alongside Frans Nielsen. Leading the pack is Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks with 53 shootout goals, followed closely by Jonathan Toews in second place.
Throughout his NHL tenure, Oshie played 1,010 games split between the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals. His standout season was 2016–17, achieving 33 goals and 56 points. Oshie also contributed to the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship run.
Reflecting on Oshie’s Retirement and Career Highlights
In June, Oshie officially retired from professional hockey, concluding his career with 302 goals, 393 assists, and a total of 695 points. To honor his achievements, the Capitals held a retirement ceremony at Capital One Arena.
At the event, Oshie expressed his gratitude:
“My only contribution was that this could be a good day and place to have (the ceremony). I can’t thank the Caps enough. Another first-class move by them to have my retirement here, invite all the people out. It really made this day special.”
Matthew Tkachuk Shares Florida Panthers’ Approach for the Upcoming Season
Last week, during an NHL Network interview, Tkachuk outlined the Panthers’ strategy for the 2025–26 season. Instead of aiming directly for the Stanley Cup from the outset, the team prefers a measured approach that mitigates early pressure and prevents costly mistakes.
Tkachuk explained,
“Because whenever you make playoffs, you have a chance to win. So we don’t look at that whole end goal at the start of it.”
This step-by-step focus underscores the Panthers’ ambition to build on their past successes and contend for their third Stanley Cup in the near future.