The Return of the Battle of Alberta

So what is going on with the Flames? The battle of Alberta is back; I can tell you that much. Thanks especially go to Tkachuk for his issues with Kassian. And how about Gio for his run at McDavid? Well, let's discuss these issues first.

Matthew Tkachuk vs. Zack Kassian

Tkachuk getting into people's heads is nothing new. This time Tkachuk took it to another level with Kassian. Three nasty hits directed at Zack Kassian. Some say the body checks were attempts to injure; some say they were clean. Where the truth lies is probably somewhere in between. I do think the hits were borderline, which means Tkachuk might have gotten away with something. The NHL has real concerns with concussion issues. Hits to the head have to be dealt with correctly. That said, I don't believe that Matthew was out to injure Kassian; just trying to get into his head. 

We all know how Matthews plays. Find the line, then gets as close as possible without crossing it. But when you poke the bear, sometimes there are consequences. Zack Kassian is one big bear. Matthew had Zack so tied up in knots that he looked like a crazy man looking to hurt someone. When Tkachuk refused to fight Kassian, he crossed the line. When you play rough, sometimes you have to pay the piper. Instead, Tkachuk poked the piper and ran off.  If you play as Tkachuk plays, you have to back it up. In the next game, Tkachuk faced Kassian like a man and the issue was resolved.

The Flames had no problem with the way Tkachuk played. That is the reason he is a star. Getting into people's heads is his game. He draws teams into silly penalties when they let their emotions get the best of them.

Mark Giordano hit on Connor McDavid

Mark's hit on Connor might not be such a big deal if not for the history. We all know Giordano hit McDavid, sending him into a rough rehab all summer. What bothers me is Giordano sticking out his knee to stop McDavid from getting ahead of him. There may not have been intent, but Gio has a history of borderline hits. At worst, it should have been a penalty. He did put that knee out ever so slightly.  Maybe an interference minor. I give him the benefit of the doubt, but you can't blame the Oilers fan for being upset. Connor is their bread and butter, so to speak.

David Rittich

BSD, of course, is the most charismatic goalie in years. I love his antics. Dave puts his life and soul into this game and has instantly built a reputation as a man's man. So when the first two shots hit the post followed by a poke check on Leon Draisaitl, you had to know that Rittich had something special in store for his celebration to end the game. David Ritttich throwing his stick adds fuel to the Holy War known as the Battle of Alberta. 

Conclusion

The NHL would not have it any other way; they have wanted the rivalry  back for some time. They might have every official they could think of there making sure the game does not get out of line, but they're like a parent scolding their kid in public for beating up the bully, but in private jumping up and down celebrating it.

Randy