The Calgary Flames concluded their preseason on Saturday with a 4–1 loss at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. The first shortened preseason came and went in the blink of an eye, as the first 84-game NHL schedule begins Tuesday with five games slated to open the season. The Flames will open their season against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday in what will be the final home opener at the Saddledome.
Entering the final season at the Dome with a roster in the midst of a retool, we wanted to know where fans think Calgary will finish in the NHL standings this season. We asked, you answered.
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Where will the Flames finish this season?
We presented the poll below to our readers.
Bottom five / Bottom 10
The majority of respondents in this week’s poll think the Flames will finish in the bottom five in the upcoming league standings. Almost 60% of votes put the Flames in the bottom 5, while another 20% think they will finish in the bottom 10. The organization cleaned house last season, trading away the likes of Mackenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, and Blake Coleman. Despite adding veterans Zach Whitecloud, Ryan Strome, and Jake Middleton, the Flames will put much more stock in their youth this season.
Players like Matvei Gridin, Zayne Parekh, Hunter Brzustewicz, and newly acquired Simon Nemec will have much more weight on their shoulders entering the year. It’s likely the Flames will struggle to produce offence again this season, and their revamped defence could put more strain on the likes of Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley. The organization has finally committed to a new chapter in Calgary, hoping the move will bear fruit next year for the inaugural season at Scotia Place. Although the Flames may finish in a lottery position again this season, a large crop of Conroy-drafted talent will finally get a chance to play meaningful minutes and showcase the team’s future core.
No man’s land
Roughly 16% of fans think the Flames will finish in a territory they’re all too familiar with, no man’s land. I don’t think it’s very likely this roster finds itself competing for a playoff spot, but this franchise does have a knack for staying in the race. There’s always a possibility, and who knows what could happen with other teams in the West. The Pacific looks to be stronger this season than last; however, the competition will still be lighter compared to the Eastern Conference. The Flames could be at risk of finishing closer to 20th overall than 32nd with some streaky play. Chemistry wouldn’t be a bad thing to see develop this season.
Playoffs
Only 5% of fans think the Flames will scrap their way into a playoff spot this season. With Vegas coming off a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, Edmonton reloading with Mike Babcock and a revamped philosophy, and the Ducks and Sharks looking to take another step forward this season, Calgary will have a fight on their hands for a divisional playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Central will offer Colorado and Dallas as surefire playoff teams while Minnesota and Utah battle for third in the division. The wild card spot could turn out to be a tougher route than a divisional playoff spot. Either way, the Flames will have their hands full this season if they want to compete for a playoff spot with their renewed core.
Season of change
No matter the result of this coming season, the Flames will offer a refreshed look this season, with their sights set on a new core of young talent. It will be an exciting season in Calgary as fans honour the Dome and watch the next chapter of Flames hockey begin before hitting the ice in their new home.
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