Tkachuk Shows His Ignorance Discussing Maple Leafs Campbell Injury (THW)
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There is an old expression that goes like this: If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
Related: Maple Leafs Matthews & Tavares Call Out Team: No Response & No Gas
The sense of the expression is that how a person behaves can be judged by tracking how that person has behaved in the past. That is, if were asked to judge the intent of a persons most current actions, a good way to do so is to look at that persons history. In other words, understanding a persons latest action becomes clearer by looking at the persons pattern of behavior. The persons habits, previous actions, and characteristics matter.
The Issue of Matthew Tkachuks Battle in Jack Campbells Crease
So, here we are looking at the Calgary Flames Matthew Tkachuks recent behavior. During the Calgary Flames most recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Calgary, a game the Maple Leafs won 3-2, an incident occurred during a hard-fought third period when Tkachuk was trying to bang a puck through the Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell.
Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
During that scrum and the bumping that ensued, Tkachuk ended up on top of the back of Campbell with both his knees pressed into Campbells back. Similar incidents regularly happen during NHL games. However, what made this incident memorable is that, after that scrum, Campbell – who we learn later had apparently tweaked something in his lower body just minutes earlier to that scrum was slow to get up and appeared hurt.
[In fact, today it was announced that Campbell would be out a month with his injury suffered during that game.]
However, Campbell remained in the game and the Maple Leafs won. It was his second straight win of the season in a backup role for Maple Leafs starting goalie Frederik Andersen.
Tkachuks Comments After the Game Reveal His Ignorant Attitude
As viewers can see when looking at the video of Tkachuks interview after the game, its almost impossible unless youre a Tkachuk apologist and believe nothing he does is over the line to not cringe at what seems like his cavalier attitude. Specifically, Tkachuk denies intentionally falling on the Maple Leafs’ goalie Jack Campbell.
The Maple Leafs Non-Reactions
To be accurate, Maple Leafs fans are sensitive about the health of their goalies; and with Campbell ruled out for four weeks, thats a problem to solve. However, the Calgary media person must have heard things I didnt hear. He was wrong about the Maple Leafs complaining at least formally.
In fact, during an interview head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked this question: Did you see what happened involving Jack Campbell and Matthew Tkachuk in the dying stages?
Keefe responded: I think I know what you are referring to, but I didnt take it as anything, really. I havent thought about it or discussed it. It is a non-issue for me.
Even Campbell himself dismissed the incident on his Zoom call after the game, saying, I dont look at him as a menace, I look at him as a really good hockey player.
That Tkachuk Believes People Shouldnt Question His Behaviors Ignores His History
Granted, the Sportsnet interview was conducted by a Calgary hockey writer who, during the interview set Tkachuk up by saying I cant believe I’m asking this, but I am because Toronto is making a big deal of it. Then he asked Matthew, when you fell on top of the goalie, how did you see that play playing out?
Related: The NHLs Best Farm Systems Ranked 2020-21 Season Update
Tkachuk responded, Which one? I feel like there’s a lot of scrums in front of the goalie throughout the game, which one are they making a big deal about this time?
The announcer retorted, Yeah, late in the game you fell on top of Campbell with both knees and he was a little slow to get up.
Tkachuk explained his version of the incident: “It was just a battle in front … six-on-five situation just banging away at the puck. I live in that area, I live in that crease area throughout the games, and I’m just digging for a puck and I was battling with Brodes (former teammate T.J. Brodie) a little bit there and guys started coming in.
“I just got knocked over and obviously I didn’t have any intention of falling into him or anything like that. That’s a complete … it’s just a classic thing to try and accuse me of there.”
I have italicized the phrase that makes me cry Duck! Tkachuk looks, walks, and quacks like one here.
Tkachuks Surprise Is Hard to Believe
The interviewer then asked if Tkachuk ever was surprised when an opposing team makes a big deal about something that happened and what comes out of peoples mouths. Tkachuks comment was that he was surprised in fact, its a classic thing hes blamed for.
Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
I find it hard to believe Tkachuks comment about being surprised. He has to be aware of his reputation around the NHL, hes been told often enough. However, the Flames forward expressed ignorance of why anyone should question his motives and even seems to add a Theyre always blaming me for such classic behavior.
Specifically, he said: “I get very surprised with some things that come out of other people’s mouths these days, but it’s a good thing I don’t listen to it. I just get asked it from other people. Thank god I don’t go on my phone I guess too much after games or else I’d drive myself crazy.”
Tkachuks History of Possible Over-the-Line Behavior
The fact is that Tkachuk has a history of such behavior.
Evidence #1: Looks Like a Duck Mark Scheifeles Injury
During the NHLs postseason in August, 2020, Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele collided awkwardly with Tkachuk and was forced to leave the game and miss the rest of the postseson with an injury.
At the time Tkachuk called the Game 1 injury “an accident,” adding that he “felt terrible.” Jets coach Paul Maurice, however, called out Tkachukfor delivering “a filthy, dirty kick to the back of the leg.”
Scheifeles responded, “The way my parents raised me is you forgive everyone and that’s all you can do.”
Related: Top 3 All-Time Maple Leafs Goalies
By the way, a similar event occurred on Jan. 16, when the Vancouver Canucks Alexander Edler was called for an interference minor during a neutral-zone collision with Tkachuk. Edler was cut when Tkachuk’s skate came up as he fell, catching Edler in the left leg below the knee. Im not saying that it wasnt an accident, and no one from the Canucks called Tkachuk on his errant skate; but, is it a coincidence that a similar thing happened to Sckeifele?
Evidence #2: Walks Like a Duck Zack Kassians Suspension
During a game in January 2020, Tkachuks old-school body checks ran into the NHLs new-school fighting protocol. Kassian, who called Tkachuks hits predatory in nature, attempted to engage Tkachuk in a fight. Tkachuk turtled and Kassian rag-dolled him to the ice.
Tkachuk was rightly deemed to be an unwilling combatant and Kassian was suspended two games. Kassian claimed a great memory and added He (Tkachuk) messed with the wrong guy. I dont think he realizes were in the same division.
Evidence #3: Quacks Like a Duck Drew Doughtys Fued
Since 2017, Tkachuk has engaged an on-going feud with Los Angeles Kings Drew Doughty. During a game in March 2017, Tkachuk got away with one after dropping Doughty with an elbow directly to the face. No penalty was called on the play.
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Later, however, Tkachuk was suspended two games for elbowing the Kings defenseman. Doughty announced that he had no respect for him, none. I respect everyone else. Ill never talk to him off the ice.
Doughty also noted, Im used to it and know how to deal with it. Hes entertaining for you guys, but hes not respected by most of the people in the league, its not just me thats just a fact.
Calgarys Head Coach Geoff Ward Makes Light of the Controversy
Calgarys coach Geoff Ward noted, Are we really talking about this? He added, Seriously? To be honest with you, if thats anybody else were not even talking about it.
Thats the point. Although the Flames are not talking about it and Tkachuk says hes surprised anyone is making an issue of it, in truth Tkachuk has, through his repeated behavior, earned the right to be suspected for intentional behavior to injure others. Hows hes surprised? He keeps doing these same things over and over again.
Ward, who was an assistant with the Boston Bruins for seven seasons offered this note: We had the same situation in Boston when I was there with Brad Marchand high-talented guy, can play the agitator role real well. You like having those guys on your team and you hate playing against them. He condones Tkachuks behavior.
Where the Situation Stands Now
The Maple Leafs and the Flames meet again tonight for their second of nine games this season. I have no idea how either team will react to this incident.
What I do believe is that Tkachuks feigned ignorance of why anyone should call him out might actually lead to energized behavior by both teams.
As Tkachuk says himself sometimes its hard to believe what comes out of some peoples mouths. Personally, perhaps Tkachuks landing on Campbell with both knees to his back after it was clear Campbell had been hurt earlier in the third period was unintentional. Perhaps not.
Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Tavares, Andersen, Marner & Brooks
However, as I say, no one can logically buy into Tkachuks pretended ignorance about why others should question his intent.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, is it Wayne Simmonds? I think not, and I wouldnt be surprised if Tkachuk has to duck himself tonight.
The post Tkachuk Shows His Ignorance Discussing Maple Leafs Campbell Injury appeared first on The Hockey Writers.
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Related: Maple Leafs Matthews & Tavares Call Out Team: No Response & No Gas
The sense of the expression is that how a person behaves can be judged by tracking how that person has behaved in the past. That is, if were asked to judge the intent of a persons most current actions, a good way to do so is to look at that persons history. In other words, understanding a persons latest action becomes clearer by looking at the persons pattern of behavior. The persons habits, previous actions, and characteristics matter.
The Issue of Matthew Tkachuks Battle in Jack Campbells Crease
So, here we are looking at the Calgary Flames Matthew Tkachuks recent behavior. During the Calgary Flames most recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Calgary, a game the Maple Leafs won 3-2, an incident occurred during a hard-fought third period when Tkachuk was trying to bang a puck through the Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell.
Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
During that scrum and the bumping that ensued, Tkachuk ended up on top of the back of Campbell with both his knees pressed into Campbells back. Similar incidents regularly happen during NHL games. However, what made this incident memorable is that, after that scrum, Campbell – who we learn later had apparently tweaked something in his lower body just minutes earlier to that scrum was slow to get up and appeared hurt.
[In fact, today it was announced that Campbell would be out a month with his injury suffered during that game.]
However, Campbell remained in the game and the Maple Leafs won. It was his second straight win of the season in a backup role for Maple Leafs starting goalie Frederik Andersen.
Tkachuks Comments After the Game Reveal His Ignorant Attitude
As viewers can see when looking at the video of Tkachuks interview after the game, its almost impossible unless youre a Tkachuk apologist and believe nothing he does is over the line to not cringe at what seems like his cavalier attitude. Specifically, Tkachuk denies intentionally falling on the Maple Leafs’ goalie Jack Campbell.
The Maple Leafs Non-Reactions
To be accurate, Maple Leafs fans are sensitive about the health of their goalies; and with Campbell ruled out for four weeks, thats a problem to solve. However, the Calgary media person must have heard things I didnt hear. He was wrong about the Maple Leafs complaining at least formally.
In fact, during an interview head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked this question: Did you see what happened involving Jack Campbell and Matthew Tkachuk in the dying stages?
Keefe responded: I think I know what you are referring to, but I didnt take it as anything, really. I havent thought about it or discussed it. It is a non-issue for me.
Even Campbell himself dismissed the incident on his Zoom call after the game, saying, I dont look at him as a menace, I look at him as a really good hockey player.
That Tkachuk Believes People Shouldnt Question His Behaviors Ignores His History
Granted, the Sportsnet interview was conducted by a Calgary hockey writer who, during the interview set Tkachuk up by saying I cant believe I’m asking this, but I am because Toronto is making a big deal of it. Then he asked Matthew, when you fell on top of the goalie, how did you see that play playing out?
Related: The NHLs Best Farm Systems Ranked 2020-21 Season Update
Tkachuk responded, Which one? I feel like there’s a lot of scrums in front of the goalie throughout the game, which one are they making a big deal about this time?
The announcer retorted, Yeah, late in the game you fell on top of Campbell with both knees and he was a little slow to get up.
Tkachuk explained his version of the incident: “It was just a battle in front … six-on-five situation just banging away at the puck. I live in that area, I live in that crease area throughout the games, and I’m just digging for a puck and I was battling with Brodes (former teammate T.J. Brodie) a little bit there and guys started coming in.
“I just got knocked over and obviously I didn’t have any intention of falling into him or anything like that. That’s a complete … it’s just a classic thing to try and accuse me of there.”
I have italicized the phrase that makes me cry Duck! Tkachuk looks, walks, and quacks like one here.
Tkachuks Surprise Is Hard to Believe
The interviewer then asked if Tkachuk ever was surprised when an opposing team makes a big deal about something that happened and what comes out of peoples mouths. Tkachuks comment was that he was surprised in fact, its a classic thing hes blamed for.
Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
I find it hard to believe Tkachuks comment about being surprised. He has to be aware of his reputation around the NHL, hes been told often enough. However, the Flames forward expressed ignorance of why anyone should question his motives and even seems to add a Theyre always blaming me for such classic behavior.
Specifically, he said: “I get very surprised with some things that come out of other people’s mouths these days, but it’s a good thing I don’t listen to it. I just get asked it from other people. Thank god I don’t go on my phone I guess too much after games or else I’d drive myself crazy.”
Tkachuks History of Possible Over-the-Line Behavior
The fact is that Tkachuk has a history of such behavior.
Evidence #1: Looks Like a Duck Mark Scheifeles Injury
During the NHLs postseason in August, 2020, Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele collided awkwardly with Tkachuk and was forced to leave the game and miss the rest of the postseson with an injury.
At the time Tkachuk called the Game 1 injury “an accident,” adding that he “felt terrible.” Jets coach Paul Maurice, however, called out Tkachukfor delivering “a filthy, dirty kick to the back of the leg.”
Scheifeles responded, “The way my parents raised me is you forgive everyone and that’s all you can do.”
Related: Top 3 All-Time Maple Leafs Goalies
By the way, a similar event occurred on Jan. 16, when the Vancouver Canucks Alexander Edler was called for an interference minor during a neutral-zone collision with Tkachuk. Edler was cut when Tkachuk’s skate came up as he fell, catching Edler in the left leg below the knee. Im not saying that it wasnt an accident, and no one from the Canucks called Tkachuk on his errant skate; but, is it a coincidence that a similar thing happened to Sckeifele?
Evidence #2: Walks Like a Duck Zack Kassians Suspension
During a game in January 2020, Tkachuks old-school body checks ran into the NHLs new-school fighting protocol. Kassian, who called Tkachuks hits predatory in nature, attempted to engage Tkachuk in a fight. Tkachuk turtled and Kassian rag-dolled him to the ice.
Tkachuk was rightly deemed to be an unwilling combatant and Kassian was suspended two games. Kassian claimed a great memory and added He (Tkachuk) messed with the wrong guy. I dont think he realizes were in the same division.
Zack Kassian isn't going to forget about what Matthew Tkachuk did. ?
Circle your ?? for January 29th. ? pic.twitter.com/L5KFBTKFDA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 14, 2020
To Tkachuks credit, when the Oilers and the Flames next met, he rose to the challenge and engaged in fisticuffs with Kassian. Although there might be continuing animosity the situation was over.Circle your ?? for January 29th. ? pic.twitter.com/L5KFBTKFDA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 14, 2020
Evidence #3: Quacks Like a Duck Drew Doughtys Fued
Since 2017, Tkachuk has engaged an on-going feud with Los Angeles Kings Drew Doughty. During a game in March 2017, Tkachuk got away with one after dropping Doughty with an elbow directly to the face. No penalty was called on the play.
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Later, however, Tkachuk was suspended two games for elbowing the Kings defenseman. Doughty announced that he had no respect for him, none. I respect everyone else. Ill never talk to him off the ice.
Doughty also noted, Im used to it and know how to deal with it. Hes entertaining for you guys, but hes not respected by most of the people in the league, its not just me thats just a fact.
Calgarys Head Coach Geoff Ward Makes Light of the Controversy
Calgarys coach Geoff Ward noted, Are we really talking about this? He added, Seriously? To be honest with you, if thats anybody else were not even talking about it.
Thats the point. Although the Flames are not talking about it and Tkachuk says hes surprised anyone is making an issue of it, in truth Tkachuk has, through his repeated behavior, earned the right to be suspected for intentional behavior to injure others. Hows hes surprised? He keeps doing these same things over and over again.
Ward, who was an assistant with the Boston Bruins for seven seasons offered this note: We had the same situation in Boston when I was there with Brad Marchand high-talented guy, can play the agitator role real well. You like having those guys on your team and you hate playing against them. He condones Tkachuks behavior.
Where the Situation Stands Now
The Maple Leafs and the Flames meet again tonight for their second of nine games this season. I have no idea how either team will react to this incident.
What I do believe is that Tkachuks feigned ignorance of why anyone should call him out might actually lead to energized behavior by both teams.
As Tkachuk says himself sometimes its hard to believe what comes out of some peoples mouths. Personally, perhaps Tkachuks landing on Campbell with both knees to his back after it was clear Campbell had been hurt earlier in the third period was unintentional. Perhaps not.
Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Tavares, Andersen, Marner & Brooks
However, as I say, no one can logically buy into Tkachuks pretended ignorance about why others should question his intent.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, is it Wayne Simmonds? I think not, and I wouldnt be surprised if Tkachuk has to duck himself tonight.
The post Tkachuk Shows His Ignorance Discussing Maple Leafs Campbell Injury appeared first on The Hockey Writers.
https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/642723...hockeywriters/