The Calgary Flames are not in the hunt for the Stanley Cup, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t reason for their fan base to tune into the action. There have already been some great series to date, and are currently two more underway in both the Western and Eastern Conference Finals.
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The Western Conference Final is between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars, while the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are duking it out in the East. As it turns out, there is at least one former Flames player on three of the four teams who remain, which gives Calgary fans plenty of options as to who to cheer for, depending on which player(s) they are the biggest fans are. Here is a look at all eight that could hoist the Stanley Cup in roughly a month’s time.
Matthew Tkachuk
There won’t be any Flames fans surprised to see Matthew Tkachuk’s name on this list, as he was a household name in Calgary for years and continues to be one as a member of the Panthers. The 27-year-old has helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, including a championship last year that came versus the Oilers.
Tkachuk hasn’t had his best postseason to date, recording three goals and 10 points through 13 games. That hasn’t hurt the Panthers, however, who currently lead their series versus the Hurricanes 1-0 as they look to reach the Cup Final for the third straight year.
Sam Bennett
The other name on this list who won’t come as a surprise as Sam Bennett, who has also played an integral role in the Panthers’ success these past few years. The 28-year-old appeared to be a draft bust in his days with the Flames, but quickly rejuvenated his career after joining the Panthers organization.
Bennett is having himself an excellent postseason to date, having scored a team-leading seven goals while also distributing three helpers through 13 outings. He is an absolute menace to go up against, and should continue to be a pain for the Hurricanes throughout the remainder of the Eastern Conference Final.
A.J. Greer
The final former Flames on the Panthers’ roster is A.J. Greer, who…
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