Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk, Devils’ Nico Hischier reignite rivalry

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk and New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier don’t appear to be best buds.

The two key players on Eastern Conference contenders got into some rough stuff again on Tuesday night in the Panthers’ 2-1 shootout victory.

Tkachuk’s high hit on Hischier on the third period sparked a little bit of chaos as all 10 players on the ice exchanged unpleasantries.

Devils defenceman Jonas Siegenthaler immediately went after Tkachuk, before Hischier joined in.

“Just a little too emotional for me. I didn’t see him coming. I don’t think I even touched the puck,” Hischier said, per NHL.com. “That’s part of it. He made the hit and I got a little emotional there.

“I want to stick up for myself. I didn’t like the hit. I got a little emotional there. That’s hockey.”

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe certainly didn’t mind.

“I loved the response. I thought it was great,” he said, per New Jersey Hockey Now.

The rivalry stems from 2022-23 when Hischier delivered a cross-check to the knee of Panthers captain Alexsander Barkov, resulting in an injury.

In the next game between the teams, Tkachuk went after Hischier.

A scrum broke out following the Devils’ empty net goal and Tkachuk took the opportunity upon himself to get a little bit of payback for his teammate.

Unfortunately, the two teams don’t meet again during the regular season. We’re guessing few hockey fans will complain if they square off again in the playoffs.