"Pretty gross if true": NHL fans react to Trent Frederic's claim of Matthew Tkachuk not dropping the gloves despite agreeing to a fight

Bruins forward Trent Frederic claimed that Panthers alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk backed out of a fight after agreeing to drop the gloves. The Florida Panthers beat the Boston Bruins 6-4 in their season opener at the Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday.

In the post-game presser, Trent Frederic told reporters that he was the one initially asking for the fight, and Tkachuk seemingly agreed. However, when the moment came, Tkachuk opted not to engage.

“He actually asked me because I was asking him and then he didn’t. It’s hard to read that,” Frederic said. “I didn’t know people did that. I think that’s a little disrespectful to the game.”

Fans were quick to share their thoughts on the situation, with many expressing disappointment in Tkachuk if Frederic's account proves true.

Following are some fan reactions from X (formerly Twitter):

“Thats pretty gross if true. Have some class. Big Walt would not approve,” one fan said.

“Tkachuk only fights non fighters. Freddy shoulda known better,” quipped one user.

“It’s Matthew Tkachuk. Anyone surprised by him not actually fighting hasn’t followed his career at all. Frederic should’ve known Tkachuk wasn’t going to drop the gloves against him. He trolled him and it worked! Come on now!” another user weighed in.

“I am all for baiting dudes into penalties but if you offer to go you go,” wrote one fan.

Fans condemned Tkachuk for supposedly backing out of a fight. Meanwhile, some fans praised the player for smartly baiting Trent Frederic into a penalty.

“I’d put money on it being something like Matthew saying something like “what you want to fight?” Or “what you looking to go?” - a non committal comment. All Matthew wants is a power play for his team, he doesn’t care what others think. He does what he’s paid to do&his team was up,” another fan added.

“I don’t like Tkachuk but Frederic has no legs to stand on here. Did he honestly think Tkachuk would drop them after going up 2-0. Emotions got the best of Frederic and that’s ok it happens,” commented one fan.

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Trent Frederic got a 2-minute penalty for scrum after pulling Matthew Tkachuk’s shirt

In the first period of Tuesday night’s game, Frederic tried to spark some momentum for his team by challenging Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk to a fight. Frederic dropped his gloves, expecting Tkachuk to do the same since Tkachuk had apparently agreed to the fight.

However, Tkachuk never followed through. Instead of dropping his gloves, he stayed back, leaving Frederic confused. As Frederic reached for Tkachuk’s jersey, things got heated.

A brief tangle followed between Frederic and Panthers forward Sam Bennett, and a scrum broke out near mid-ice.

Frederic dropped his gloves and was ready to fight and was given a 2-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. They went on to lose their season opener 6-4 to the reigning Stanley Cup champions.