Matthew Tkachuk anticipating special game against Calgary on Saturday
For the first time since being traded this offseason, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will face his former team in the Calgary Flames this afternoon.
Shortly after letting it be known he didn't want to sign a long-term deal with the Flames, general manager Brad Treliving shipped him off to the Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar and prospect Cole Schwindt. Given how things ended, it will be interesting to see how this game plays out, one in which Tkachuk admits is much different than any other regular season game.
"It's early in the year, but this game still means a lot for our team and for myself,» Tkachuk told reporters on Friday. «I'd be lying to you guys if I said, ‘It's just another game.' It's extra special for me, knowing pretty much all those guys over there. Playing against them is going to be weird."
As Tkachuk mentioned, it is early into the year, but so far his Panthers tenure has gotten off to a terrific start. In 15 games with his new squad, the 24-year-old winger has six goals and 22 points along with 37 penalty minutes. It wouldn't be a surprise to see all three of those totals rise after Saturday's tilt, as you know he will be motivated as ever coming into this one.
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