Keith Tkachuk blasts Florida Panthers on Toronto local radio - "They are a soft team"

Keith Tkachuk didn't mince words on Toronto channel 1050 on Wednesday (March 29) about the current state of the Florida Panthers. After winning six of seven games in early March, the Panthers have dropped four straight games to slip out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

Tkachuk’s son, Matthew, has been the Panthers' leading scorer this season. Keith Tkachuk's other son, Brady, is one of the best players for the Ottawa Senators. Keith blasted the Panthers as a 'soft' team:

“They are a soft team, and they are getting everything they deserve right now. Instead of trying to get autographs on the ice from Matthews and Marner, they probably should check them a little harder.

"Whatever it is, it is disappointing. I know I sound like a frustrated person, but I know every time I come and watch Ottawa, they may not be the most talented team, but they’re going to play hard. Perhaps Florida could take a page out of their book.”

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"This is do-or-die for the Panthers right now" - Keith Tkachuk on Florida Panthers

Keith Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk may get some hard looks the next time he comes into the locker room, as Keith Tkachuk isn't afraid to lay everything on the line about the Panthers’ current situation.

Matthew was traded to the Panthers in the offseason after demanding a trade from the Calgary Flames. Keith said about the same:

"He loved Calgary and loved the group of players up there, but he did not see himself staying there a long time. It is difficult to make a transition. But he has done fine.

Keith Tkachuk told First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo:

“This is do-or-die for the Panthers right now. I watched them the other night, and I know I am staying at Brady’s house and Brady’s team played really well. They have some jam, and, you know, I am a little disappointed with the Panthers.”

He continued:

The ultimate goal is to win, and he feels like it’s tough right now in what they have been going through. They have guys like Barkov and one of the things he liked about the whole thing was being able to play with Sam Bennett who the Panthers may not realize how much they miss a player like that with the jam he has and the character he has.”

Keith Tkachuk concluded:

“It has been a good transition for Matthew living-wise, and he enjoys it down there. But, you know, he is pretty devastated right now with where they are at. But they are still hanging on and still have a chance. It is up to them to get their butts going and start playing like the team that should be a lot better than what they are showing right now.”

The 37-31 Panthers are fourth in the Atlantic Division.