Calgary Flames: Los Angeles Kings will be a good test
The Calgary Flames host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, Oct. 8 in what should be a tough test.
After the Calgary Flames dropped their season opener to the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 last Thursday, David Rittich and the Flames put out a much better team effort on Saturday’s home opener against the Vancouver Canucks. Rittich stopped all 34 shots he faced, including a few highlight-reel saves. Tonight, they face the Los Angeles Kings.
The Flames first line once again clicked, as Lindholm, Monahan, and Gaudreau all found the back the of the net. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Canucks. The Flames certainly have a talented roster, and a lot of guys showed it on Saturday.
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“Anytime you’re on home ice, you want to take advantage of that,” said Sean Monahan, via NHL.com. “Home-opener, getting that W is big and a lot of guys stepped up in different ways.” After the Flames get a few days off to rest up and prepare for their next opponent, tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Kings between the two enemies will certainly be a big test.
It’s old news that these two teams are bitter rivals. The Kings and Flames have certainly turned up the intensity each time they meet over the last three seasons. It’s all because of two players who can’t stand each other – Matthew Tkachuk and Drew Doughty. Need I say more?
Tkachuk has always been a pest to play against, but ever since Tkachuk put out a vicious high elbow to the face of Doughty back in 2017, an incident that saw Tkachuk suspended for two games, the two players and two teams can’t stand one another.
Saturday night Tkachuk was interviewed by Scott Oake of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. Oake started things off by saying to Tkachuk “Drew Doughty does not like you.” He then followed his first question by asking Tkachuk “how thick is your skin when it comes to Drew Doughty’s harsh thoughts on you.” Tkachuk, very confidently answered by saying “goes right in one ear and out the other, I’m really looking forward to Tuesday’s game.”
That response was sure to stir the pot, and generate a response from Doughty. He told a reporter “We both know who the better player is. So, if he (Tkachuk) wants to compliment me first I’ll give him one back.” Talk about teeing things up for an already much-anticipated game!
Although the two superstar players don’t like one another, its an important game for Calgary. The reason it’s important is they’re coming off a huge win and the team needs to get going and show the fans that they’re ready for another big regular season. The expectations are high for the 2019 Pacific Division Champions, and after tonight’s game, the Flames head out on the road.
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The key for the Flames tomorrow will be to not get wrapped up in the extracurricular stuff after the whistles. Yes, we all want to see the Doughty and Tkachuk show, but with 2 points on the line, and the Kings still searching for their first win of the season, the Kings will be hungry. Calgary can’t underestimate the rebuilding Kings.