Rookie Tkachuk leads Flames in 2-1 shootout win over Coyotes
CALGARY — Eighteen-year-old Matthew Tkachuk continues to make a push to open the NHL season with the Calgary Flames.
Selected sixth overall in the 2016 draft, Tkachuk scored in regulation and also had the shootout winner Wednesday night as Calgary beat the Arizona Coyotes 2-1 in NHL pre-season action.
“I just want to keep getting better every day. As long as I’m getting better every day there’s no worries,” said Tkachuk, who has been a fixture on an effective line with Sam Bennett and veteran Troy Brouwer.
The only shooter to score in the shootout, Tkachuk broke in and displayed quick hands, zipping a shot into the top corner on Mike Smith, whom he skated with for a couple weeks during the summer.