Flames' Tkachuk looking to be a playoff difference-maker

CALGARY — In a low-scoring playoff opener, Matthew Tkachuk made a difference in ways a multi-faceted player can.

Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm both generated a team-leading 42 goals in the regular season for the Calgary Flames.

In a 1-0 win over the Dallas Stars to open their conference quarterfinal series Tuesday, Tkachuk was held without a goal, but was the straw that stirred the Flames' drink in the opening period.

A few opening hip checks, setting up the lone goal scored by Lindholm, a thunderous hit on Stars defenceman John Klingberg and a buzzer fight with Michael Rassl that sparked another scrap provided the Saddledome a plethora of entertainment in the first 20 minutes of the game.

"Matthew, he's a leader on our team. He's a player that's definitely built for playoffs," Flames defenceman Noah Hanifin said Wednesday at the Saddledome.

"He's playing his best hockey when he gets that emotion going.

"He's a physical presence, but he's also got so much skill, and he can kind of play any type of game."

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday in Calgary before switching to American Airlines Center in Dallas for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday respectively.

Tkachuk's 42 goals and 62 assists for a career-high 104 points in the regular season makes the 24-year-old relied upon for post-season production alongside Lindholm and Johnny Gaudreau.

The six-foot-two, 200-pound winger also plays a hard-edged style, and has since his NHL debut at age 18, that complements his expanding skill set.

"I just enjoy playing playoff hockey and try and make a difference, no matter which way that is," Tkachuk said.

"(If) it's a low-scoring game, you've got to try to make a difference in more ways than scoring. Playoff hockey is