From Calgary Flames praise to Edmonton disdain
During a recent appearance on the Cam and Strick podcast, Florida Panthers' star Matthew Tkachuk stirred the pot in the hockey world by expressing his distaste for the Edmonton Oilers and revealing why he gave his former team, the Calgary Flames, a special nod during his Stanley Cup interview.
The controversial moment has fans buzzing and reignites the fiery rivalry between Alberta's NHL teams.
Tkachuk's comments followed a prompt from a Panthers' public relations consultant just before his Sportsnet interview, suggesting he acknowledge his Canadian connections due to his family ties across the country and his professional beginnings with the Flames. Indeed, his journey in the NHL started when the Flames drafted him in the first round, sixth overall, in 2016.
The mention of the Oilers was not just a passing comment but a deliberate addition to his message, underscoring the intensity of the "Battle of Alberta." Tkachuk, known for his role as the primary agitator in this regional rivalry, explained his need to highlight his dislike for the Oilers during his thank you speech. His candidness provides a rare glimpse into the personal rivalries that often fuel competition at the highest levels of the sport.
Tkachuk's tenure with the Flames was marked by impressive stats, culminating in his breakout year where he played all 82 games, netting 42 goals and adding 62 assists for a total of 104 points, with a plus-minus of +57. This performance not only solidified his reputation as a key player but also catapulted him to superstar status, leading him to two Stanley Cup finals and securing the championship in his last appearance.
The animosity is not one-sided; Oilers fans share a mutual disdain for Tkachuk. This sentiment adds an extra layer of intrigue whenever the teams clash, which happens just a few times each season, or during high-stakes meetings like the Stanley Cup Finals. The rivalry, fueled by moments like these, continues to captivate fans and adds a rich narrative to the NHL seasons.
Tkachuk's unabashed honesty on the podcast not only reaffirms his bold personality but also highlights the deep-seated rivalries that make hockey more than just a game. His acknowledgment of his roots with the Flames, juxtaposed with his outspoken dislike for the Oilers, paints a picture of a player who is as passionate about his loyalties as he is about his sport.
| POLL | ||
Was Matthew Tkachuk the Flames player who Oilers fans despised the most? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 87.8 % |
| No | 6 | 12.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
