The week at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary is set to be filled with emotion, not necessarily because of the Montreal Canadiens’ visit on Thursday, but rather because of the Florida Panthers’ visit two days earlier.
Indeed, Tuesday’s clash marks forward Matthew Tkachuk’s return to southern Alberta, where he played the first six seasons of his National Hockey League (NHL) career before becoming embroiled in the now-famous Jonathan Huberdeau trade last summer.
The 24-year-old’s visit to the Flames comes at a good time, even though he is scheduled to play against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. The son of Keith and brother of Brady, he has 27 points including 18 assists in 19 games this season and could reach 100 for the second straight season.
Tuesday night will be a special one for Matthew Tkachuk, who should get a big round of applause when he’s introduced to the crowd…only to get better booed every time he touches the puck. It’s not the bad treatment the “ghosts” deserve when they reconnect with their former audience. However, he knows what to expect and the work has to get done.
“They are smart and passionate supporters; They want to see their team win and I want mine to win,” he told Sportsnet. Of course I loved playing in front of them and I’m very grateful to them, but at the end of the day I know they’re hoping for a win for their club.
“I don’t think I was on the other side in that arena or presented myself any differently. I obviously had my pre-game routines, my pre-game meal. I won’t go where I stayed, I’ll stay at the hotel,” he added of what he intends to do in the hours leading up to the game.
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Relations with former teammates are likely to be less emotional this time around as the Flames visited the Panthers at Sunrise earlier this month; The game ended in favor of Calgary, who won 5-4 in a shootout on November 19. The two clans know and respect each other.
“It has certainly been a difficult summer for her. He didn’t expect that. On the other hand, talking to some guys [des Flames] I’ve only heard good things about Florida. It was good to see her again, there’s no resentment or anything,” he said.
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