Tkachuk's Brutal Chirp Sparks Backlash

U.S. hockey star's zinger against Germany's Draisaitl riles up 'internet pansies'

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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U.S. Men's Hockey star Matthew Tkachuk delivered an all-time zinger to Germany's Leon Draisaitl during a recent game, causing a backlash from some fans who felt the chirp went too far. Tkachuk and Draisaitl are two of the NHL's top players, and Tkachuk's Florida Panthers have defeated Draisaitl's Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final the past two years, adding extra sting to the chirp. While chirping is common in hockey, some on the internet criticized Tkachuk's comments as being too harsh.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing debate around trash talk and chirping in professional sports, with some fans arguing that Tkachuk crossed a line while others defend it as a normal part of hockey culture. It also touches on the political divide, with some criticizing Tkachuk for his support of the U.S. president.

The details

During a recent U.S. vs. Germany hockey matchup, Tkachuk delivered a brutal chirp to Draisaitl, referencing the fact that Draisaitl's Oilers had lost to Tkachuk's Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final the past two years. The chirp caused an uproar on social media, with many 'internet pansies' criticizing Tkachuk for going too far. However, hockey fans defended the chirp as being well within the bounds of acceptable trash talk in the sport.

  • The incident occurred during a recent U.S. vs. Germany hockey game.

The players

Matthew Tkachuk

A star player on the U.S. Men's Hockey team and the Florida Panthers in the NHL.

Leon Draisaitl

A star player on the German Men's Hockey team and the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“Aww, did Chucky touch a nerve here?”

— Matthew Tkachuk, U.S. Hockey Player (Outkick)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around acceptable levels of trash talk and chirping in professional sports, with some fans arguing that Tkachuk crossed a line while others defend it as a normal part of hockey culture. It also touches on the political divide, with some criticizing Tkachuk for his support of the U.S. president.