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Calgary Flames: Matthew Tkachuk is under Drew Doughty’s skin

By Jasmine Yen

CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 30: Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Drew Doughty (8) is checked by Calgary Flames Left Wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the first period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Los Angeles Kings on November 30, 2018, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 30: Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Drew Doughty (8) is checked by Calgary Flames Left Wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the first period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Los Angeles Kings on November 30, 2018, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The game between the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings has not even started yet and Matthew Tkachuk is already in Drew Doughty’s head

The Los Angeles Kings have had a frustrating season. In the summer, they signed Ilya Kovalchuk in hopes that he would help their scoring problem and instead, they are two points out of last in the entire NHL. Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is known around the league for his personality. He’s very vocal and was recently voted the second best trash-talker in the league in the NHLPA Player Poll. His feud with Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk has been especially fun.

It’s not a secret Doughty and Tkachuk don’t like each other one bit. Their beef started back in March of 2017. This hit from Tkachuk is the feud’s “ground zero”.

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Just a few weeks later, Doughty returned the favor by dodging a hit from the Flames forward. After the game, Tkachuk returned fire at the Kings defenseman. Not even the 2017 offseason cooled things off, as the two jawed off at each during an October game.

Back in January of 2018, after the two had yet another confrontation, Doughty went on record saying he thinks Tkachuk is the most hated player in the league. During a media scrum on March 25, Doughty said he has “no respect for Tkachuk”. It’s safe to say Matthew isn’t on Drew’s Christmas card list.

Tkachuk is known to be a pest. It’s the role he plays and he finds a lot of success in it. When he is getting other players riled up, being in the faces, he’s at his best. This is what Tkachuk had to say about his style of play when he was interviewed by David Amber a week ago.

"“I know myself, it bothers me when a guy is in your face, plays hard, has the puck but also can produce, so I think right now it’s nice we’re producing and we’re winning and other teams are jealous… I think that’s what makes them not like me more.”"

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The reaction Doughty had this morning is exactly what Tkachuk wants. When frustration seeps into a player’s game, especially a former Norris Trophy winner, they start to make irrational decisions. Those decisions will most likely benefit the Flames. It will be interesting to see what goes on in between whistles and perhaps there might even be a fight. Or two.

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