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Matthew Tkachuk Says Having Miami Heat Join The Florida Panthers Would Be "Storybook" For South Florida

Matthew Tkachuk led the Florida Panthers to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals despite being the No. 8 seed

Matthew Tkachuk only thought it was appropriate. 

The Miami Heat showed so much support during Florida Panthers run to the Stanley Cup Finals. So Tkachuk returned the favor by showing up for the Heat's Game 6 against the Boston Celtics

Both teams have a chance to make the Finals in their respective sports as the No. 8 seed. 

"It really has been incredible for me," Tkachuk said in an interview with TNT before the game. "I think back to like two or three months ago, nobody in the world thought we'd be in this position right now, let alone even make the playoffs. The fact that I'm sitting here with you guys and getting ready to play in the Stanley Cup Finals, at my first ever Heat game with them having a chance for the Finals, that's storybook for South Florida." 

Tkachuk is a bit torn on who to root for. While he is adored by the South Florida fans, he went to high school with Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. They both attended Chaminade Prep in St. Louis. 

"It's crazy that we were in the same gym class for all those years," Tkachuk said. "It's cool to say that we're both representing Chaminade and I know everybody back in St. Louis is rooting us on." 

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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