NHL fans were appalled Matthew Tkachuk played in the Stanley Cup Final with a broken sternum

It feels like a miracle that Matthew Tkachuk didn’t end up in the hospital after playing Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final with a broken sternum.

Yes, you read that right. Tkachuk played Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final with a broken sternum after taking a gnarly hit the game prior. In fact, Tkachuk logged nearly 17 minutes of ice time during the game, all while nursing a broken sternum.

Tkachuk ended up sitting out the series’ deciding Game 5 due to the injury.

The news of Tkachuk’s injury came after the Florida Panthers lost to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, ending their Stanley Cup bid. Tkachuk’s injury was so bad, in fact, that the forward couldn’t even dress himself for Game 4. Someone else had to help him into his gear to play!

"He couldn't dress himself for the game. Somebody helped him get his gear on. Somebody helped him tie his skates."

Paul Maurice discusses Matthew Tkachuk's injury and how he was able to play Game 4. pic.twitter.com/04qhW9SeUc

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 14, 2023

Hockey players have a reputation of playing through pain and serious injury, but what Tkachuk and the Panthers did here was completely reckless. No hockey game — yes, even the Stanley Cup Final! — is worth risking your long-term health over, especially in a high-impact sport like this.

NHL fans were horrified to learn that Tkachuk had played Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final with a broken sternum.