Calgary Flames Daily: Facing the Leafs, Matthew Tkachuk Proving Himself
Good morning Calgary Flames fans! It’s a chilly day again in Calgary. Let’s see what’s been circulating for Flames news over the last 24 hours.
It’s game day and the Calgary Flames will be in Toronto to rake up some leaves (Leafs). Sorry, I saw the Flames use this pun earlier today and I gave it a shot. Didn’t quite work. But the Flames will be facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time this season.
In the Flames projected lineup posted earlier today, it looks like the coaching staff will decide to start with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan on the same line (finally). In the last few games, they weren’t in the same lineup to start the game, but throughout the periods as the Flames struggled more and more, they saw more of each other.
Sam Bennett will start on the second line alongside Troy Brouwer and Kris Versteeg. Versteeg this season has been somewhat of a play-maker, so let’s hope this line can spark something up and help Bennett find his game again. He is on a ten-game pointless drought right now and it’s really starting to take a toll on him.
And what’s happening with the Flames rookie, Matthew Tkachuk? Well, he’s definitely proving himself, that’s for sure. Being part of the 3M line, the Flames best and most consistent line this season since they’ve been on the same line on October 25th, is definitely also a factor for his play. However, he hasn’t quite been in Calder talks, since there are bigger names out there for that, like Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine. But he’s definitely making a case for himself.
“He’s bold, but he’s not cocky,” Flames’ coach Glen Gulutzan said. “If you spend any time around the kid, you realize he’s very humble. But he’s a competitor and confident in his game.”
Some of our stuff involving the Flames rookie (although he fights like he’s been in the league for years)
Rookie Matthew Tkachuk should be in Calder talks.
Calgary Flames rookie and son of former NHL player, Matthew Tkachuk, has been taking off since basically his tenth NHL game. So why isn’t his name part of Calder nomination conversations? Who knew that heading into this season, he’d be right now, tied for second in points on the team. With more points than Flames superstar, Johnny Gaudreau.
Matthew Tkachuk at the halfway mark.
Matthew Tkachuk at the quarter mark.
Talk about a tenth game for Matthew Tkachuk.
When it was Matthew Tkachuk’s tenth NHL game against the San Jose Sharks, he proved he was here to stay. After getting the go ahead that he’d be staying in the NHL instead of being sent down to the minors earlier that day, he proved that the Calgary Flames made the right call.
Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your morning
Projected lineup – Flames @ Leafs (Calgary Flames).
Brouwer’s contract will hurt Flames (The Hockey Writers).
Calgary Flames Game Day: Sean Monahan on goal-scoring hot streak with Toronto Maple Leafs next on schedule (Calgary Herald).
Some other links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Hockey helps young Edmonton player in cancer fight (Edmonton Journal).
Takeaways: A weekly spin around the NHL (Flamborough Review).
NHL attendance after 20 home games: 2016-2017 (My NHL Trade Rumors).
Next: 3M Line Needs to be First Powerplay Unit
Thanks for reading this edition of Flames Daily. Let’s hope the Flames can get another shutout against the Leafs tonight. They could really use that boost.