Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are similar in a lot of ways, and the things that make them similar ironically make them different from the majority of the league.
They’re pests, but they’re pests that know how to score. They’re the sort of player that you love to have on your team, and you hate to play against.
Another distinguishing quality of the Tkachuk bros is their abuse of mouthguards. Instead of wearing the protective item properly so that it, you know, PROTECTS… the Tkachuks have gotten in the habit of chewing on them. A mouthguard hanging out of their mouth has become somewhat of a signature look, similar to Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk, or even Steph Curry in basketball.
This week, Brady may have had a wakeup call when a Shea Weber high-stick caught him in the mouth and knocked out three teeth. Apparently Tkachuk was wearing his mouthguard, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell based on the three teeth he’s now missing.
Keith Tkachuk also joined The Athletic Hockey Show podcast to discuss the habit, explaining that it really upsets their mom. So will the brother be changing things up and actually keeping their mouthgear in?
Don’t count on it.
It was worth a try.
