Tkachuk: It’s ‘classic’ to accuse me of purposefully falling on Campbell

Matthew Tkachuk is well-aware of his reputation around the league, but the Calgary Flames pest denied any notion he intentionally fell on netminder Jack Campbell in the dying moments of Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“It was just a battle in front … six-on-five situation just banging away at the puck,” Tkachuk told reporters Monday. “I live in that area, I live in that crease area throughout the games, and I’m just digging for a puck and I was battling with Brodes (TJ Brodie) a little bit there and guys started coming in.

“I just got knocked over and obviously I didn’t have any intention of falling into him or anything like that. That’s a complete … it’s just a classic thing to try and accuse me of there.”

Campbell, who had seemingly tweaked something in his lower body just minutes earlier, remained in the game and collected his second victory of the season.

Tkachuk, who leads the Flames with three goals in four games this campaign, says he has no problem tuning out the criticism.

“I get very surprised with some things that come out of other people’s mouths these days, but it’s a good thing I don’t listen to it. I just get asked it from other people,” he said. “Thank god I don’t go on my phone I guess too much after games or else I’d drive myself crazy.”

The Leafs and Flames meet again Tuesday for the second of nine matchups between the sides this season.