Panthers Optimistic Matthew Tkachuk Will Be Ready For Playoffs

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk skated before practice Monday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during last month's 4 Nations Face-Off.

Tkachuk has missed 16 games and is on long-term injured reserve. Coach Paul Maurice said Tkachuk is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, but the Panthers remain optimistic he'll be ready for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Whether he's available for Game 1 of the opening series is still in question, however.

"That's where we're still shooting for. Depending on when those games get scheduled, it may have an impact on him," Maurice said.