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The seed was planted ten days ago when 19-year-old rookie Matthew Tkachuk elbowed NHL All-Star Drew Doughty in the face.  The vicious elbow resulted in a two-game suspension for Tkachuk and some bad blood between the teams.  Doughty fired back at Tkachuk when he stated “He’s a pretty dirty player, that kid,” Doughty told LA Kings Insider.  “To be a rookie and play like that is a little surprising. I don’t know exactly what happened because I got hit in the head, but I thought he elbowed me.  Tkachuk responded with a quote of his own. Tkachuk told the Calgary Sun “I expected more from him, honestly, than to go right to the media and start complaining after a loss.  But he’s a good player.  He’s a good enough player where he doesn’t have to worry about any of that stuff.  He’s a skilled guy and everything like that, and he’s won a couple of Cups.”

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Well the stage was set for Wednesday’s battle in Calgary.  A game in which the Calgary Flames could clinch a Stanley Cup Playoff birth with a win.  Cue the fireworks.. tensions were boiling before this game even started.  Lots of discussion during warm-ups.

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Matthew Tkachuk is willing to drop the gloves with the Los Angeles Kings but can’t find a dance partner.  Tkachuk was willing, but Muzzin called his bluff.

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After a false start earlier in the game, Matthew Tkachuk finally got to have the fight he wanted, except Brayden McNabb took him down with an uppercut.

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Drew Doughty narrowly avoids a huge collision with Matthew Tkachuk at centre ice.  The fireworks seemed to calm after this fracas.

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The Los Angeles Kings continued to grind throughout the game, and took the Flames off their game.  The Flames hopes of clinching will be delayed as the Kings defeated the Flames.  The question is…is the Tkachuk/Doughty feud over?