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Matthew Tkachuk rewards Flames for keeping him in the NHL

Buffalo Sabres v Calgary Flames

CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 18: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Calgary Flames celebrates with the bench after scoring his first NHL goal during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 18, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

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Did the Calgary Flames make the right choice in burning a year off of Matthew Tkachuk’s entry-level deal? For at least one night, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Tkachuk scored two goals, including the game-winner, as the Calgary Flames beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Thursday night.

If you look at Tkachuk’s five points in 10 games, his start to 2016-17 isn’t that impressive. Things have really picked up in the last five games, however:

Thursday: two goals against San Jose, +2 rating
Nov. 1: no points, two shots on goal
Oct. 30: assist
Oct. 28: assist
Oct. 25: assist

With that, we’re reaching an interesting fork in the road for Son of Keith; is it possible that the Flames aren’t giving the impressive 18-year-old enough ice time?

His 16:10 of time on ice from Thursday easily marks a career-high, but perhaps that should become the norm, particularly for a team in the middle of the pack in a Pacific Division that seems ripe for the taking.

At minimum, it sounds like the Flames made the right choice in keeping Matthew Tkachuk around. At least for one night.