Matthew Tkachuk really didn't like the Canadiens' playoff run
A year ago, the Calgary Flames had high hopes heading into the 56-game season. Yet, Calgary did not deliver as the team finished 5th in the Canadian division, out of the playoff picture.
Despite their 26-27-3 record, the Flames still came very close to participating in the spring dance, trailing the Canadiens by only three points at the end of the season.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk said he didn't have the best summer of his life because of the Montreal Canadiens.
"We finished the season three points behind Montreal, that's what pissed me off the most and what upset me the most. At the end of the day, the team that beat us by three points is playing in the Final Four, I certainly didn't have the best summer watching them," he said.
Such comments are understandable from Tkachuk. Since joining the NHL in 2016, the 23-year-old American has yet to win a playoff round.
Such frustration once again confirms the depth of the Tkachuk family. Matthew's desire to win is certainly at a very high level and seeing the Habs make it to the Stanley Cup Final has certainly made him even more bitter.
On the Calgary side, it will be interesting to see what the Flames are able to do this year.
Back in the Pacific Division, considered the weakest in the Bettman League, Darryl Sutter's team certainly has a lot to live up to after a disappointing season.
During the off-season, the Flames added some depth with notable additions such as Blake Coleman and Nikita Zadorov. However, they lost the services of their captain Mark Giordano to the Seattle Kraken.
The Calgary Flames season will kick off on October 16th with a Flames vs. Oilers classic.
