Major update on Matthew Tkachuk ahead of Game 1 this evening

This just in, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice told reporters today that superstar forward Matthew Tkachuk is a game-time decision for Game 1 this evening against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Maurice said that Tkachuk needs approval from the team's doctors to suit up and then he'll take the pre-game warmup tonight at Amalie Arena in Tampa. If all goes according to plan, he'll be in the lineup for Game 1 this evening.

The 27 year old forward has been sidelined by injury since the 4 Nations Face-Off and missed the regular season stretch drive for the Panthers.