Although Matthew Tkachuk is accustomed to fighting, one of his opponents in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs shocked the hockey community.

The Bruins tried to set the tone for the upcoming game by being especially tough after their crushing Game 2 loss to the Panthers seemed inevitable. Tkachuk, who took it upon himself to handle what Boston was throwing Florida’s way, didn’t like the late-game chippiness.

But Tkachuk didn’t handle Pat Maroon or any other of the Bruins’ archetypal “tough guys.” Unexpectedly, the Panther standout squared up against David Pastrnak, who accepted the call for just his second NHL bout.

On a recent episode of “The Cam & Stick Podcast,” Tkachuk stated, “I go over and I’m talking to the refs, whatever.”Their captain, (Brad) Marchand, is off the ice. Pastrnak is now approaching and conversing. Tell your guys to shut up or I’ll come after you, that’s what I’m like. We just start talking nonstop. I’m like, “Let’s just fight next shift,” at that point. He didn’t decline. He didn’t act cowardly or fearful. Great regard for him. I’m hardly the world’s toughest person, really. However, in general, I don’t think a guy like him would fight.

“So, I asked him to fight by simply leaning over. ‘We’re doing this right now,’ I say. I refuse to wait for the next match. He asked, looking directly at Jim Montgomery, aka Monty. ‘You want to?’ asks Monty. I’m listening to everything. Pastrnak responds, “Yeah.” Montgomery seems to be saying, “Okay, go ahead.” ‘I’m going out next shift — power play,’ glances Pastrnak gives me. Come on, let’s do it. ‘I don’t PK, but I’ll see you out there,’ I said. ‘Paul, I’m heading out next shift,’ I said to Paul (Maurice). I believe he said, “No, Chucky.” It’s a PK. “Paul, I’m going to fight Pastrnak,” I exclaim. He said, “It’s okay.”

In the end, Tkachuk had the last laugh as the Panthers defeated the Bruins in Game 6 of their second-round rivalry series. Florida then used that momentum to defeat the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals.

On October 8, when Tkachuk and company lift their first Stanley Cup banner in team history, Boston will be on the opposition bench. We shouldn’t be shocked if there is increased extracurricular activity during the Opening Night match, considering the clubs’ previous past.

David Pastrnak of the Bruins Breaks His Silence About Offseason Additions.

According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak was present at the NHL’s European tour in mid-August. After spending a busy summer working out and getting married to his longtime girlfriend Rebecca Rohlsson, Pastrnak spoke with Russo and expressed his excitement for the Bruins’ recent offseason additions through free agency as the team looks to contend for a deep postseason run the following year.

“Nikita (Zadorov), who is a big defenseman, I can’t wait to see him lay out some big hits this season,” Pastrnak stated. “The Bruins seem to be the ideal fit for him. Furthermore, Elias Lindholm is an excellent two-way center player; undoubtedly, the Bruins have produced a number of excellent two-way center players. We know Elias can score goals because he also scored 40 in a single year.” Pastrnak, who had a stellar season in 2023–24 with 47 goals and 63 assists, will now play with former Vancouver Canucks players Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm.

Initially seen as more of a facilitator, Pastrnak has developed into one of the league’s top goal scorers, now playing a bigger role for the Bruins to generate points and put the puck in the net. “My transfer to goal scorer (in the NHL) was surprising at first,” Pastrnak stated. “Thank you so much. I don’t take it for granted since it’s difficult to score in this league. I shot far less and was more of a playmaker last year than I was in previous years, but that was just the makeup of our squad.”