Team Canada and Team USA are finally going to play each other in the Olympic Gold Medal game, and the Tkachuk brothers are already starting their playful rivalry.
Fans of the Oilers are very familiar with Matthew Tkachuk’s playful behavior. He recently made headlines by teasing Leon Draisaitl in a funny way. But before facing Team Canada, Tkachuk surprisingly changed his approach.
Matthew Tkachuk has unexpected things to say about Team Canada before the Gold Medal Game.
🚨 Matthew Tkachuk sends a bold message to Team Canada — and even Sidney Crosby. 👀🔥
Respect? Challenge? Mind games?
The rivalry just turned personal ahead of the showdown. 🍿🏒
Hockey world watching closely…#NHL #TeamCanada #Tkachuk pic.twitter.com/phUx8XG1cY
— Great (@Great1019353) February 21, 2026
Instead of starting with his usual trash talk towards Team Canada, Matthew Tkachuk actually shared some meaningful thoughts before the big game, highlighting how important this matchup is for both nations.
It’s the best players competing against each other. This is something every American and Canadian grows up watching and hearing about. This is the highest point of the sport. It doesn’t get any better than this, and the rivalry is intense. There won’t be a single TV turned off during this game in the U. S. and Canada.
– Matthew Tkachuk
When asked about the chance that Sidney Crosby might miss the Gold Medal game, Tkachuk only had nice things to say about him. He sees Crosby as the current top player in hockey, someone that every player on Team USA looks up to and wants to be like.
Sidney Crosby has three championships. You cannot get inside his head easily.
He has achieved everything at every level. We all wish we could reach his level and gain what he has. I guess this group of 25 players has the chance to achieve what he has. There’s no mind games when it comes to him.
– Matthew Tkachuk
Even though Tkachuk shows a lot of respect for Canada’s hockey team and Sidney Crosby, it could also be a smart move as part of the game. It’s clear that he appreciates the skill of his opponents and Crosby’s personal achievements.
However, once the game starts, all of that respect will fade away. Tkachuk will focus on doing what he does best, which is getting into the heads of his rivals, using the psychological tactics he’s known for. Complimenting them before the game won’t mean much in the heat of competition.
Team Canada will remember this from their 4 Nations Faceoff games and will be ready for a strong USA team coming after them.
🚨 Mattias Ekholm admits the Edmonton Oilers have struggled to “get excited” for games this season. Heavy schedule. Mental fatigue. No excuses.
With 24 games left, can they flip the switch before playoffs? 👀🔥#Oilers #NHL #LetsGoOilers #Olympics2026 pic.twitter.com/CGQ5VI2hO8
— Great (@Great1019353) February 20, 2026
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