Flames' Tkachuk stoked for 1st career Game 7: This is what you dream about

Calgary Flames star Matthew Tkachuk has never skated in a Game 7 before, but he's imagined what it'd be like.

Tkachuk told reporters Sunday he's excited to get his first crack at the real thing against the Dallas Stars.

"It's kind of the stuff you dream about as a kid," Tkachuk said. "You just picture millions of times scoring that big goal or winning that big game, and it always revolved around Game 7. It's just very cool that I get a chance to play in one."

Tkachuk played in three first-round series prior to this matchup, but they didn't go in Calgary's favor. The Flames were swept by the Anaheim Ducks in 2017, beaten by the Colorado Avalanche in five games in 2019, and bested by the Stars in six contests in the playoff bubble. Tkachuk missed the last four games of the 2020 Dallas series due to a concussion, though.

Now, after being considered by many to be the top Canadian team heading into the playoffs, the Flames have the opportunity in Calgary to send the Stars packing and face the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2.

"When you get a chance to win one game to advance, I think our team would take that against pretty much anybody, especially at home," Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk has lofty hopes for those in attendance at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

"I expect this one to be the loudest and best atmosphere I've ever played in my life," he said.

Tkachuk potted 42 regular-season goals, but he's yet to find the back of the net in the low-scoring series. He's second on the Flames in assists, though, with four helpers through six contests.

Puck drops on Game 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET.