The Calgary Flames were welcomed with a win after their week-long Christmas break, defeating the Sharks 3–2 last night in San Jose. With the win, the team matches the Dallas Stars for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference at 41 points.
With the Flames right on the bubble of playoff contention heading into the second half of the season, it seemed only appropriate to see what fans think the team finishes in the back half.
We asked, you answered.
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Where does the team finish?
We presented the below poll to our readers.
Going into the back half of the season, where do you think the #Flames will finish this season?
— The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) December 28, 2024
Divisional playoff spot
It seems the holidays didn’t bring any more positivity to Flames fans, as only 1% of voters think the team can reach the playoffs in a divisional position. Despite this, the Flames are only four points behind both the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings for second/third in the division.
Wild card spot
Almost a quarter of respondents think the Flames will reach the playoffs in a wild card spot. Tied for the final wild card currently, it certainly isn’t out of the question. But the game last night was the first of 22 games in 43 nights, with five back-to-backs.
As the calendar turns, teams begin to separate themselves more and more. The Flames’ schedule doesn’t favour them in this regard at all. But this is when momentum can build, and teams can spark a run.
Don’t forget about the 4 Nations Face-Off, either. It’s not your average All-Star break. It’s international competition, and for the players involved, everything gets left on the ice. This could somewhat benefit the Flames. With Rasmus Andersson the only Flame attending the 4 Nations Face-Off, the majority of the team will get a substantial break after this extreme stretch of the season.
As far as the teams ahead of the Flames in the wild card and divisional race, it’s not the same situation for some. Three of five opponents ahead of them have more representation. The Stars have three players going, the Vancouver Canucks have four, and the Vegas Golden Knights have a whopping seven. The Golden Knights might not crash and burn, but with the Stars and Canucks currently in the wild card, the Flames could do some damage in that final stretch if the standings don’t shuffle dramatically.
Just outside
The overwhelming winner of this week’s poll was a timeless classic in Flames hockey, “Just outside the playoffs.” Over 60% of respondents think the Flames will do what seems inevitable at this point: fail to either float to the top or sink to the bottom. They will stay in the race to the bitter end only to have the playoff door slammed in their face, left only to wander onto the golf course and wait until the draft to walk the stage and announce the x-teenth overall pick.
It’s a fine line we walk, Flames fans. We want to win so bad, but the consequences of being perennially low-end playoff pretenders leading into and after the trade deadline have kept this franchise at a standstill for almost 20 years. Signings and trades made for the current season need to be made in conscious consideration of the future.
The best case scenario is, if the Flames are just outside looking in come playoff time, Craig Conroy stays true to his plan. The only assets the team needs to bring in are under-25-year-olds and/or draft capital.
Lottery pick
Around an eighth of respondents think the Flames will finish in a lottery position in the standings. There are plenty of variables on the season, and the team could easily slide in this next grueling period of the schedule. If the Flames struggle and fall out of the playoff race, management could change their tone and the season and look to sell at the deadline.
Nazem Kadri has had rumblings around his name this season, as has Rasmus Andersson as he approaches a contract extension. It would be unfortunate to see them leave the team, but now could be the time to lean into the “retooling” and capitalize on their value as assets if the season goes sour.
New Year, New Team?
With 2025 right around the corner, the Calgary Flames will look to improve or, to some fans’ appeal, they might fall off a cliff. With a tough schedule heading into the 4 Nations tournament, the Flames will hopefully break .500 by a longshot in either direction. At this point, I don’t know what to think about this team.
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