Ex-Flames bring battle back to Alberta

Tkachuk and Bennett know what to expect when Panthers head to Edmonton for Game 3

- KEVIN MCGRAN

When Matthew Tkachuk played for the Calgary Flames, he was booed every time he touched the puck in Edmonton.

Since he’s been a Florida Panther, “there was nothing,” he said.

Now the stakes have changed.

Tkachuk and fellow ex-Flame Sam Bennett — both warriors from the high-stakes Battle of Alberta — are heading back to Edmonton with the Panthers holding a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup final.

“The first thing that comes to mind is when you play a team in Canada, there’s a different type of passion and spotlight,” Tkachuk said. “It’s a great environment playing up there. They’re all into it.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a great atmosphere. Something that we’re looking forward to. Feels like we haven’t been to Canada in forever here. So get the passports ready.”

The Panthers remained in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday while the Oilers flew home to prepare for Thursday’s Game 3 in a series whose nasty side has quickly escalated.