Pospisil-Tkachuk battle could set tone in Slovakia-USA semifinal

The other Olympic semifinal, between Slovakia and the United States, already promises high drama.

But an unexpected subplot may steal the spotlight.

Ryan Lomberg, who has shared dressing rooms with both Matthew Tkachuk and Martin Pospisil, summed it up best.

“Oh yeah,” he said, practically rubbing his hands together.

“I mean, get the popcorn ready if they start battling, because that’ll be epic, man.”

Few matchups in the tournament offer the same potential for fireworks as a collision between Calgary’s rising agitator and the former Flames master of mayhem.

With Pospisil centring Slovakia’s third line, and Tkachuk driving the Americans’ top unit, there’s a strong possibility the two will share plenty of ice time with a berth in the gold‑medal game on the line.

For Flames fans, it’s the kind of crossover event that adds extra intrigue.

Tkachuk remains one of hockey’s premier disturbers, a superstar who can score, stir the pot, and chirp with the best of them.

His bridesmaid jab at Leon Draisaitl earlier in the tournament was a reminder that his verbal game is still world‑class.

Pospisil, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the NHL’s most prolific hitters, a relentless forechecker who has worked hard to stay on the right side of the rulebook.

His play in Slovakia’s Cinderella run has showcased the same blend of energy and edge that has endeared him to Calgary fans since he broke into the league in 2023.

Lomberg, who knows both personalities well, sees the potential for something memorable.

“Chucky’s obviously one of the best in the game at being a rat and also having an impact on the score,” used Lomberg, who won a Stanley Cup with Tkachuk in Florida.

“And we all know what Pospisil is capable of when he’s at the top of his game. So it’ll be exciting to watch, for sure.

“I would imagine big brother, Brady, might poke his head into it too, but I’m sure Pospisil will be able to handle himself. He’s been doing a great job so far.”

In an NHL regular‑season game, prop bets would be offered on who would draw the first roughing minor.

And while one would think Olympic stakes will keep tempers in check, the Slovaks’ best chance of upsetting the Americans might just revolve around doing whatever they can to get Tkachuk’s line, with Brady and Jack Eichel, off their game.

“Yeah, it’ll be fun to watch a little chess match of who can toe the line a little bit better,” said Blake Coleman.

“I can’t imagine there’d be a ton of love between the two. But both are great players in their own way.”

While both have posted seasons with over 100 penalty minutes, the two have matured. Tkachuk has become a Hart‑level force who picks his moments. Pospisil has worked to avoid the unnecessary penalties that once plagued him.

But MacKenzie Weegar, who has watched Pospisil’s growth up close, doesn’t expect the Olympic rings to sanitize things entirely.

Asked whether the stage might eliminate the extracurriculars, he didn’t hesitate.

“I’m sure they’ll still find a way to bring that garbage,” he laughed.

“The U.S. is obviously the favourite, and the Tkachuk brothers are pretty elite players, but Pospisil can handle himself out there, and he can skate. And I’m sure he’ll be doing things out there to get things going, I won’t doubt that at all.”

Weegar, and the hockey world, will be watching.

“I’d love to see that, maybe bang (Tkachuk) around a little bit,” said Weegar, whose allegiance is clear, as he attended Canada’s Olympic orientation camp.

“It’ll be fun to watch that little matchup for sure. I would keep a close eye on that.”

Flames coach Ryan Huska has been pleased watching Pospisil thrive between Milos Kelemen and Pavol Regenda, even after an early scare.

“I saw him take the forearm to the head in one of the first games, which I was a little concerned about, but he’s fine,” said Huska of his 26-year-old forward, who has one assist and is plus-2 in three Olympic games.

“It’s neat to see him and his team having some success. Whether they’re a little Cinderella story, or they’re where people didn’t expect them to be, it’s good for Pospy, and it’s good for our team.”

Indeed, this is a great opportunity for Pospisil.

The stakes are enormous. Discipline will be preached. The game likely won’t devolve into chaos.

But if Pospisil and Tkachuk do indeed share plenty of ice together?