It won't necessarily be brotherly love, but don't expect a full blown family feud between Matthew and Brady Tkachuk when they square off for the first time on Sunday night.
In fact, when the Flames and Senators clash in the Nation's Capital, it'll be the first-ever battle of the Tkachuk brothers in their entire hockey careers.
“It’s the first time ever,” said Matthew to The Calgary Sun's Daniel Austin.
“I don’t even think we’ve even done a scrimmage together or anything, (even) practice. I don’t remember one time where we’ve actually played against each other on the ice."
Growing up in St. Louis, the sons of Keith Tkachuk went toe-to-toe in other sports but always teamed out up the ice when possible. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends will be in attendance in what will essentially be a family reunion in Alberta.
If things get chippy, could the family see the two potentially mix it up or drop the mitts if their emotions get the best of them? Not if the old man has anything to say about it.
Back in the summer, Brady talked about discussed the notion of the two engaging in a fight when he appeared on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast. Not afraid to chuck knucks with his older brother, Brady said it would be Matthew that would have to throw the first punch.
But according to Matthew, whatever Momma Tkachuk says around their household is what holds up, so don't count on a fight. But hey, hockey is emotional game, so never say never.
There will be many battles of the "Tkachuk Cup" over the next number of years, but for now, the first edition will be the most memorable, especially if the sparks begin to fly.
In 50 games in his rookie season, Brady, 19, has amassed 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) and is on pace to reach 42 on the season, which would be six points short of Matthew's total in his first year in the league.
Matthew, 21, is on pace to record the highest point total of his career with 59 (24 goals, 35 assists) in 61 games.
