Luke Schenn dropped the gloves with Adam Klapka just minutes into Saturday night's game, and the Canucks veteran didn't back down an inch.
It was a true heavyweight tilt. Klapka stands 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, and he still found a willing partner in a 36-year-old defenceman.
The timing said plenty. A few minutes after puck drop, both benches were already making a statement.
Vancouver needed some edge. The Canucks gave up nine goals to Edmonton on Thursday and came into the night at 1-1-0.
Calgary had its own reasons after opening with a 6-1 loss to Seattle. Klapka's 112 penalty minutes last season tell you exactly why he's in the lineup on nights like this.
In the clip, Schenn and Klapka square up and go toe to toe, neither one willing to back off.
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Manny Malhotra's Canucks get the response they wanted from a 36-year-old
Schenn carries a $2,250,000 cap hit and opened the season with an assist and a +3 across two games.
Manny Malhotra spent the week telling his group it needs to be better. This is one way a veteran answers that message.
Klapka, 26, carries a $1,250,000 cap hit. Last season he put up 18 points in 79 games.
Good on Schenn. A young Canucks room just went through a defensive collapse, and a veteran stepping up early sets a tone no speech can.
It's like the oldest guy at the gym agreeing to spot the new giant on the bench press. Nobody expects it, and everybody remembers it.
Both teams play again Sunday. The Canucks host Vegas, while the Flames head to Seattle for a rematch.
Back-to-backs have long memories. If this set the tone, Ryan Huska's Flames will be looking for an answer the next time these two meet.
Should a 36-year-old Luke Schenn still be dropping the gloves for the Canucks?
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