The Florida Panthers are the 2024 Stanley Cup Champions. If you are a Flames fan, then you probably have mixed emotions.
On one hand, the team’s biggest rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, fell just short of a historic comeback and there is nothing better than rubbing salt in the wound of Oilers Nation. But on the other hand, the Panthers won with Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett truly leading the charge in what should have been the Flames’ future, not a team from Florida.
That being said, last night showed that almost everyone can take solace in the fact that last night proved the Matthew Tkachuk redemption tour may have reached its peak.
It’s something all Flames fans should be thrilled with.
Tkachuk’s legacy
After being the first member of his hockey family to hoist the first Stanley Cup, Tkachuk gave a legendary interview:
Despite being at the peak of his hockey career, almost two full seasons from being traded from the Flames, it was evident that Tkachuk had Calgary in the back of his mind. Driven by what we can only assume is a deep hatred for the Edmonton Oilers, Tkachuk had to take his moment in the spotlight to drive one final dagger into the heart of Oiler fans.
It’s fascinating to watch this clip, and Tkachuk’s whole playoff run, and not feel an immense sense of joy for him. Despite how messy his exit from Calgary was, you can almost take an unbiased look back at the whole situation and say it was just business.
Most Flames fans probably look at his victory last night and think “the one that got away” because truly he will always be that. Tkachuk wanted to sign a long-term extension, but Michael Frolik took precedence for Brad Treliving. By all accounts, he should have been a Flame for life, but he took that as a sign it was time for him to move on.
It was the right choice for Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers, but just not for the Flames.
That being said, being a Flames fan and seeing both Takchuk and Bennett succeed is icing on the cake. They beat the Oilers and proved to be exactly who we thought they were all along: core players.
Tkachuk may always have a complicated legacy in Calgary, but you can bet that when he steps on the ice for the first time next season the cheers will far outweigh any boos for the redemption he provided Flames fans last night.
Photo via Florida Panthers on X
