I’d say having Tkachuk as the defecto leader (vocally and on the ice) is a huge culture shift for the team. Barkov is great (albeit reserved, it seems), but having a player like Chucky who is determined and has a swagger, boosted the team as a whole. In my humble opinion, that change/swap of a major player is immense. Especially since Tkachuk will carry any line he is on and play almost any style of game, skill or rough.
So, what you're saying is that Bill Zito was correct in labeling him a unicorn?
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
I’d say having Tkachuk as the defecto leader (vocally and on the ice) is a huge culture shift for the team. Barkov is great (albeit reserved, it seems), but having a player like Chucky who is determined and has a swagger, boosted the team as a whole. In my humble opinion, that change/swap of a major player is immense. Especially since Tkachuk will carry any line he is on and play almost any style of game, skill or rough.
He defected all right.
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Not really. If you love the player you can always cheer for them unless they go to a rival. It's better than just cheering for a jersey, probably more pure and humanistic as well considering the money and corporate interests that run teams these days.
This is how I view it. Albeit, I am a Flames fan for the organization itself for some god for saken reason, not due to the city. Which is why if they were to have moved, I would still have been a fan. I think I chose the Flames as a kid cause everyone was an Oilers fan to be honest.
So, what you're saying is that Bill Zito was correct in labeling him a unicorn?
He’s laughing last so far, that’s for sure. I thought Tkachuk was much more limited and would be outscored by Gaudreau out of the two expats. But Tkachuk has sure had an impact. It’s year one of course, but short term results are obvious.
You know I saw a Leafs player scrape a lightning player with 2 mins left Saturday in front of the ref and no call. Cuthbert and Simpson go " well hey you miss calls sometimes". Tonight of course O'Reilly gets one and they are incensed about it.
But I have and will always love Sammy.
