Matthew Tkachuk's dream shootout goal doesn't involve Wayne Gretzky, praises ex-Stanley Cup champ instead
In a recent conversation that sparked debates across the hockey world, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk made an eyebrow-raising revelation. If his life were on the line and one player had to take a shootout shot, he wouldn't go with 'The Great One.
' Instead, he'd trust TJ Oshie—a decision rooted in one unforgettable Olympic moment that still gives hockey fans chills.
Why Matthew Tkachuk would trust
TJ Oshie
over
Wayne Gretzky
in a do-or-die shootout
During an appearance on Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner's podcast at the American Century Championship celebrity golf event, Tkachuk didn't hesitate much before making the bold call. 'That's so tough… I feel like I saw somewhere once Gretzky said he didn't like breakaways, which I find that's not true, but one of my favorite moments in sports history was watching Oshie in the four-shootout-goal game, so I'm going to take Oshie.
'
Tkachuk's choice stems from the now-iconic 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics performance where Oshie, then 27, practically became a national hero. With nerves of steel, he netted four shootout goals in Team USA's dramatic group-stage win over Russia. The display wasn't just impressive—it was unforgettable. It became a masterclass in poise, execution, and resilience under pressure.
It's not just nostalgia talking, either.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Statistically, Oshie has been one of the NHL's most lethal shootout performers. With 49 shootout goals over 16 seasons, he's tied for third all-time in league history—a testament to his consistency and skill in high-stakes moments.
Shootouts weren't part of Wayne Gretzky's era
While Wayne Gretzky's legacy as hockey's most prolific scorer is unquestionable, it's important to note that the shootout format didn't even exist during his NHL career. Introduced in 2005, nearly six years after his retirement, the shootout became a whole new dimension of pressure and technique—one Oshie mastered while Gretzky never faced.
Sure, Gretzky thrived in breakaways and even converted a penalty shot, but the dynamics of a modern shootout require a unique kind of mentality. For Tkachuk, Oshie represents that rare mix of calm and cold-blooded execution. In a life-or-death scenario, that's exactly who you'd want.
And with that pick, Tkachuk not only gave Oshie a massive nod—but also reminded fans that greatness can look different, depending on the moment.
Also Read:
NHL Trade: Toronto's acquisition of Dakota Joshua hints at bigger plans for the upcoming season
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Someone like Sachin Tendulkar ...': When Ricky Ponting knew Mitchell Starc was special
Australia's Mitchell Starc (AP Photo) As Mitchell Starc tore through the West Indies with a career-best 6 for 9 in his 100th Test, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting reflected on the moment he first knew Starc was destined for greatness - a fiery spell to Sachin Tendulkar in just his third Test. Starc's stunning performance in Jamaica - claiming five wickets in 15 balls to help bowl West Indies out for a shocking 27 - was the perfect celebration of a milestone few fast bowlers ever reach. But according to Ponting, the signs were evident long ago. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I remember, he was bowling a spell to Sachin Tendulkar... got up under Sachin's armpit and Sachin just sort of knocked one into short leg," Ponting told The ICC Review. Poll Do you think Mitchell Starc will reach 500 Test wickets? Yes, absolutely Maybe, if he stays healthy No, I don't think so "When you could see that sort of pace and bounce, and have someone like Sachin not be able to cope with it - that was the reassurance for all of us that there was something extra special in Mitchell Starc." After Lord's heartbreak, Team India start training for Manchester, in London! Ponting, part of the dressing room in Starc's early days, said the left-arm pacer's raw pace, bounce, and ability to swing the new ball made him a standout even as a teenager. "He's got to be 6'5". Always had pace, high 140s, touching 150. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vastu Compliant 3BHK @ Kalyani LivingTree, KIADB, Bagalur Kalyani Developers Learn More Undo Swinging the new ball back into right-handers - it was clear early that he could be a 100-Test, 400-500 wicket bowler for Australia." Now 35, Starc has delivered on that early promise. With over 400 Test wickets, multiple ICC trophies, and 725 international wickets across formats, his legacy as one of Australia's all-time greats is secure. Ponting also praised Starc's discipline in managing his career. Tracing Moeen Ali's steps in Birmingham "He made a lot of decisions for longevity - like skipping IPLs to stay fresh for Australia. That commitment's never been questioned." Starc's 100th Test was a masterclass in fast bowling - but as Ponting recalled, the moment that hinted at this greatness came years ago, when a young quick made the Little Master uncomfortable. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Legendary Rapper Snoop Dogg Joins Ownership Group of Welsh Soccer Club Swansea City
Images via Swansea City and Imagn: Snoop Dogg It looks like Swansea City could be the next soccer fairytale in the making, following in the footsteps of Wrexham's Hollywood rise led by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds. But why the sudden buzz? The Welsh club recently dropped their 2025–26 home kit in a reveal video on Monday that featured none other than rap legend Snoop Dogg . While fans were surprised by the cameo, the bigger news soon followed. Swansea has now officially confirmed that Dogg will invest in the Welsh club and join them as a co-owner. His involvement reportedly stems from a mutual connection with Swansea's American investors, Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen. Snoop Dogg's Minority Ownership to Boost the Profile of Swansea City This investment is part of the owners' effort to increase the club's brand value and commercial revenue. And with Dogg, who currently boasts around 89 million Instagram followers, that attempt is certainly in the right direction. The club owners explained in a statement, 'To borrow a phrase from Snoop's back catalogue, this announcement is the next episode for Swansea City as we seek to create new opportunities to boost the club's reach and profile." Moreover, even Dogg was thrilled to embark on his new sporting endeavour. He has previously revealed his favorite football club to be Celtic. "My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Spacious 4 BHK Homes starting @ ₹5.25 Cr* on Dwarka E-Way Emaar India Get Quote Undo He added, "The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me. I'm proud to be part of Swansea City. I am going to do all I can to help the club, and I look forward to getting to know all my YJBS." Snoop Dogg has previously been involved in working as a guest commentator for WWE and a correspondent for NBC at the Olympics. The exact financial details of the deal are unknown at this point, but Dogg's global popularity will certainly be helpful for the Welsh club. Moreover, the club recently posted a pre-tax loss of around 20.39 million dollars, so this new investment from Dogg could serve as a lifeline. And Dogg isn't the only prominent name that has invested in Swansea as of late. Luka Modric Became a Co-owner of Swansea in April This Year Just like Snoop Dogg, former Real Madrid legend Luka Modric also joined the club as an investor and co-owner in April of this year. Figures of his investment were not revealed, but his football experience is expected to serve the club well. "This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level. My goal is to support the club's growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future," Modric said in a statement. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner recently signed with Italian giants AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid as its most decorated player in history. At 39, this seems to be a venture in the right direction for the veteran soccer player. Also read: Chelsea's Cole Palmer reveals what Donald Trump told him after FIFA Club World Cup win Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Who is Nikola Jokic's brother Strahinja Jokic? Everything about the NBA star's infamous brother
Strahinja Jokic and Nikola Jokic. Image via: Getty Images The Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has two elder brothers, Strahinja Jokic being the eldest, and Nemanja Jokic. Strahinja Jokic was spotted sitting behind in the Summer League Game. He had caused some serious havoc during his brother's NBA matches. According to People, Strahinja Jokic was a professional basketball player who played for many Serbian teams before his retirement. Although very little is known about Strahinja's career overseas, his infamous and controversial activities have been rooted deep within. The 43-year-old has his share of controversies, some of which have been captured live on camera. Who is Strahinja Jokic? Born in 1982, Strahinja Jokic is the eldest brother among the three. He has a versatile background in basketball as well as in mixed martial arts. He has had a professional basketball career in Europe, serving as a member of a Serbian team. After 2022, his career didn't quite extend much beyond. He is known for his controversial activities both on and off the court. No matter the fact, he has been a great supporter of his little brother, Nikola Jokic, throughout his entire NBA career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Strahinja Jokic has attended most of his brother's matches along with Nemanja Jokic. Controversy behind Nikola Jokic's brother Strahinja Jokic Strahnja Jokic is infamous for his controversies. In a certain Instagram video, he, along with his brother, was spotted attending their little brother's match. Within no time, Starhinja Jokic allegedly punched a fan and started creating a fuss in the court. Later on, he was charged with misdemeanor assault. However, in 2019, he pleaded not guilty. It doesn't just stop there. In 2019, he was charged with assault for allegedly choking a woman in Denver and later pleaded guilty, according to Elise Schmelzer of the Denver Post. This series of events has made him quite a figure in the public eye. Nikola Jokic's relationship with his brother Strahinja Jokic Nikola Jokic isn't the first basketball player from the Jokic Family. He grew up with his brothers, passionately watching them play basketball. 'When I was a kid, I just watched my brothers," Nikola Jokic recalled in his 2016 essay for The Players' Tribune. "They play basketball, too. We had some courts outside in our hometown. When they would play on those courts, I would watch when I was a little baby with my pacifier. I mix a little bit of both of them. One is talented, one is really strong. I'm a little bit talented, and a little bit strong.' They have instilled in him a love for basketball. Both Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic had been quite impressive basketball players. Also read: Damian Lillard Gets Stamps Of Approval From NBA Legend Dwyane Wade As He Returns To Portland Trail Blazers Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
