Matthew Tkachuk is back in the Florida Panthers' lineup, returning to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup champions' first-round series at Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. Tkachuk went through practices Saturday and Monday,

Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk scored twice in his return from injury on Tuesday. After the game, he said he felt great, physically.

And Florida certainly missed him down the stretch. The Panthers went 13-11-1 in his absence and slipped from a chance to win the Atlantic Division to finishing third in the division standings. Even after missing two months, Tkachuk still finished the season ranked third in goals (22) and points (57).