Flames' Matthew Tkachuk Skates off Ice with Sharks' Brent Burns' Stick

San Jose Sharks star Brent Burns registered a goal and an assist during the opening period of Wednesday night's game against the Calgary Flames. Desperate to slow down the defenseman, Matthew Tkachuk found a foolproof plan.

He can't score without a stick.

During the second period, the 19-year-old stole Burns' stick and refused to give it back. The rookie skated back to Calgary's bench with his opponent's stick, which cost his team a two-minute penalty.

Anyone confused is not alone, as Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan struggled to make sense of the situation during the postgame press conference.

"I don't know," he said in exasperation. "It was in his gut, and then it was in his pants, and then it was in our bench. I'm sure he could have handed it back, but if you know the kid, he's not going to hand it back."

Kindergarten teachers have probably watched the same incident unfold numerous times, but it's a new NHL tactic.

[Sportsnet Canada]