Calgary Flames

Matthew Tkachuk Iffy for Game 3 Against Dallas

The Dallas Stars beat on Matthew Tkachuk all game long. Finally, Tkachuk left the game. What’s his prognosis for Game 3?

by
Old Prof
August 14, 2020

It probably doesn’t help Matthew Tkachuk that the Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars are playing back-to-back games during their Stanley Cup round one series. That doesn’t give their pesky winger much time to heal. As a result, it will probably be a game-time decision about whether Tkachuk will be able to play in Game 3 against the Stars on Friday night.

Tkachuk Was the Target of Some Play

Tkachuk was beat on and banged up during Thursday’s Game 2 loss to the Stars. Although that can’t make the Flames fans or organization happy, I’m pretty sure that are some Winnipeg Jets players – Mark Scheifele for one – who might consider Tkachuk having to leave the ice as a bit of justice. That said, no matter whether you love him or hate him, you gotta admit that Tkachuk is almost always in the middle of the physical play.

Tkachuk took a beating from the start of the game until he left the ice early. In fact, he only played a bit more than 10 minutes of TOI. Furthermore, once he left, he didn’t come back. After being sandwiched on a huge hit between 6-foot-2, 201 pound Jamie Benn and 6-foot-7, 255 pound Jamie Oleksiak, Tkachuk (who by the way is 6-foot-2 and weighs 202 pounds) sort of wobbled off the ice.

Will Tkachuk Play Today in Game 3?

Given that wobbly experience, it might make sense for the Flames to leave him in his street clothes for Game 3. That said, unless there’s something serious in his injury, I’m thinking Tkachuk won’t have any of that. It will be interesting to see if he is able to dress later today.

As noted, Tkachuk had a rough game, but he wasn’t ready to quit. He made the pilgrimage back and forth to the Calgary dressing room a few times before he had to finally sit out the rest of the contest.

Although Tkachuk isn’t scoring much – with a single goal and a single assist in six playoff games, his true value to the team is his physicality. Now it seems the Stars have targeted him for the same. Let’s hope the game doesn’t get rough.

If Not Tkachuk, Then Whom?

If Tkachuk misses today’s game, I’m thinking Geoff Ward will go with either Milan Lucic or Dillon Dube to take his place on the second line. A case can be made for both wingers to jump up the pecking order.

I’m guessing that Ward will learn toward his long-time, and former Boston Bruins buddy Lucic; however, should he choose Dube, it’s a sign that the Flames’ coach is thinking Dube has a place on the big club’s roster from now on.

That might be the case anyway. Given Dube’s postseason play, it’s hard to see him back with the AHL’s Stockton Heat again.