“Game 7 is always a special one,” Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said. “It’s the biggest game in hockey. We’re excited. You have to be excited for this one.” But what is it about Game 7, about the rush and euphoria of the moment that comes with it? Here is what players from both sides had to say ahead of the looming matchup.

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Matthew Tkachuk knows what it's going to take for the Panthers to continue their chance at winning another championship.