The American forward had some choice words for Germany’s captain Leon Draisaitl in their contest.
“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” Tkachuk said as the U.S. led Germany in Sunday’s clash.
Tkachuk said this to Draisaitl as both were exiting the ice, and the younger Tkachuk brother, Brady, was right behind his big brother, adding in his own chirps for Draisaitl.
This rivalry can be traced back to Tkachuk’s time with the Calgary Flames in the Battle of Alberta with Draisaitl’s Edmonton Oilers.
In 2020, Draisaitl said he would “get off the ice” if he had to play with Tkachuk in the NHL All-Star Game.
Tkachuk, now with the Florida Panthers who have twice beaten the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, referenced that Draisaitl plays behind arguably the best player in the world in Connor McDavid with his remarks on Sunday.
The U.S. leads Germany 3-0 after three periods on Sunday.
