After not playing for the Panthers since Feb. 8, Tkachuk had two goals and an assist in a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning to open their first-round series.

Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk made his long-awaited return to the lineup, scoring twice in the second period, as the Panthers handled the rival Tampa Bay Lightning, 6-2, in their Eastern Conference first-round series opener at Amalie Arena on Tuesday.

Matthew Tkachuk returned to the lineup and was back to his old self quickly for the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.