From Hated to Hero

     I like Matthew Tkachuk. A lot. The NHL star plays for the Florida Panthers, and was hated by pretty much everybody I talk to hockey about. I guess he has a reputation as a bit of a jerk, but I wouldn't know because I'm new to hockey this year.

    And those friends who I said hated Tkachuk? They love him now. I don't know if other Tkachuk haters feel the same way or not.

    If you weren't paying attention to the Four Nations Faceoff (and I know I wasn't), I guess the fans in Canada booed when the U.S. National Anthem played, and this ticked off the USA team. Withing the first nine seconds of the game, there were three brawls. And the first one happened as soon as the puck dropped; a duel between Matty Tkachuk and Canada's Brandon Hagel.

    My first thought is 'Come on guys, y'all both play for my fantasy team. GET ALONG!' I think I was the only person who felt that way.

    Upon watching all three fights, they almost seemed staged, as if the whole thing was planned well in advance. I can't say I know for sure what happened, but mayhem sure broke loose.

    Anyway, now my friends who previously couldn't stand Matthew Tkachuk (or his brother Brady, who was in the second brawl) now regard them as heroes. It's really interesting. If any of y'all saw the game or the fights, what do y'all make of it?

    USA ended up besting Canada 3-1, and has punched its ticket into the finals. This is REALLY interesting. I won't watch any of the games unless I can get the finals for free, but will pay attention to who wins them.

    Well shoot, I just kinda wanted to throw this post out there. I'm glad my guy is getting some well-deserved respect, even if he is a pain in the hindquarters at times. I'll be back on Tuesday (posted Sunday night) with a few cards for a post. It will actually be part one of a countdown I planned on doing in January. I'm really excited to get that going. Have a great night, and catch y'all in the next post!