This one is going to be a little disappointing for some fans while other fans are going to be nodding their heads in approval.
According to a breaking news report from Calgary Flames insider Eric Francis of Sportsnet, the Calgary Flames have made the rather controversial decision to sit star forward Matthew Tkachuk ahead of a game against one of their most bitter rivals, the Los Angeles Kings. The move comes as a major disappointment for fans who have come to love the meetings between the two franchises as Tkachuk has developed a rather enjoyable rivalry with Los Angeles Kings star defenseman Drew Doughty.
That being said though the Flames clinched first place in the Western Conference on Sunday night and when you keep that in mind it is very easy to see why the Flames would not want Tkachuk out on the ice this evening. The Kings have absolutely nothing left to play for this season and if the way things have gone for them is any indication it looks like there are going to be major changes coming to that roster between now and the start of the 2019 - 2020 National Hockey League regular season. Putting Tkachuk out on the ice, especially against a player like Doughty, would be a huge risk to Tkachuk who could potentially suffer an injury that would hinder him in the playoffs, which are now only just days away. I don't think anyone would be surprised if the Kings tried to send a message by taking some runs at Tkachuk, a player who has clearly gotten under their skin since joining the ranks of the National Hockey League, and it is smart on the part of Flames management to wish to avoid that.
Update: Well it sounds like Matthew Tkachuk will not be the only player that will be shielded by the Flames this evening, in fact it sounds like the Flames intend to coast the rest of the way through the regular season and keep their core guys safe and fresh for the playoffs. It now sounds like Mark Giordano. Noah Hanifin, TJ Brodie, Travis Hamonic, and Mikael Backlund will all also be sitting out tonight's game.
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