Calgary Flames Daily: Tkachuk Rising, Versteeg Was Worth It
By Ramina Shlah
The Calgary Flames had a dominating win over the Vancouver Canucks to start their Christmas break. What’s happened in the last 24 hours in Flames world?
The Calgary Flames beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 before they started their three-day Christmas break. Flames rookie, Matthew Tkachuk has been proving himself as extremely valuable to the team. Right now, he’s sixth in rookie scoring with 19 points. Since he was moved to the second line with Mikael Backlund and Michael Frolik (the 3M line), he’s been rising.
Since moving that line on October 25th, Tkachuk (6-12-18) is tied with first draft pick Auston Matthews (11-7-18) for third in points among rookie scoring in that time frame. Matthews has 26 points on the season. Tkachuk is also tied for second in assists among rookies in that time frame.
The Canucks had the fifth pick at the draft while Calgary had the sixth and, of course, got Tkachuk with that pick. Per the Vancouver Sun, “I had a meeting with them (Canucks) at the (draft) combine and it never seemed like they were that interested,” said the 19-year-old Tkachuk.
During the off-season, the Flames also acquired another new face (along with others) with Kris Versteeg. Versteeg was with the Edmonton Oilers on a PTO and declined their offer of a contract. He then signed with Calgary for virtually the same price. As a Flames fan, that gives you a warm feeling inside.
When Versteeg’s healthy, he has had a huge impact on the ice and he’s very dangerous. When he’s healthy, he’s also one of the Flames most consistent players. Notice I say when he’s healthy. This poor guy gets injured like every other game.
Some links around the Calgary Flames to get you through your morning
Jankowski chasing NHL dream after taste with Flames (Calgary Herald).
Ben Kuzma: Tkachuk’s rapid rise rekindles Canucks draft debate (Vancouver Sun).
Kris Versteeg proving to be a worthy gamble for Flames (FanRagSports).
Eric Francis: Things turning around for Flames captain (Calgary Herald).
Talk about a tenth game for Matthew Tkachuk (Flame for Thought aka us aka your favorite Flames blog)
Evaluating Matthew Tkachuk at the quarter mark (Flame for Thought aka us again)
Some other links surrounding the NHL
NHL Three Stars: Overtime heroes before Christmas break (Yahoo Sports).
Free agent Steve Downie rips Coyotes, Don Cherry in epic Twitter rant (Toronto Sun).
Jagr assist puts him behind only Gretzky in NHL scoring (CBC Sports).
Three things we learned in the NHL: Double-digit streaks abound (Sportsnet).
Since it’s Christmas Eve, here are our latest holiday-themed articles
15 last-minute affordable Christmas gift ideas for Flames fans.
The 12 days of Flames Christmas.
Next: Flames Special Teams Continue To Be Effective, Top Canucks
The Calgary Flames will go into their Christmas with a whole lot of confidence and being in a playoff position. If Matthew Tkachuk and Kris Versteeg continue to be worthy picks, they’ll keep that playoff position.