After a hot start to the 2024-25 NHL regular season, the Calgary Flames have quickly returned to their preseason predicted form.
After reaching five wins faster than any time in franchise history, and earning a 5-0-1 record through six games, the Flames have come crashing back to reality with a dismal 1-4-0 record in the following five games. The Flames currently sit fourth in the Pacific Division, just two points behind the Los Angeles Kings.
Was the Flames hot start an early season fluke? Or does this team, expected to be bottom feeders in the Pacific, have a chance to compete in the NHL’s loaded Western Conference?
Let’s take a look at some key points from the Flames start to the season:
Strength Of Schedule
A key to the Flames hot start through six games was matchups against teams who were closer to the bottom of the standings last season. Two wins (Canucks, Oilers) were against playoff teams from last season, while the other three (Flyers, Blackhawks, Penguins) were from teams who were on the outside looking in. In contrast, the Flames 1-4-0 run saw three playoff teams (Hurricanes, Jets, Golden Knights) and then against two non-playoff teams (Utah HC, Devils) from last season. In total, only two of the Flames six wins have come against playoff teams from last season.
Rasmus Gets Hot
Through 11 games, Rasmus Andersson has looked like one of the best defenseman in the NHL. He has commonly played on the top pairing with new acquisition Kevin Bahl, who came over in the Jacob Markstrom trade from New Jersey. Bahl’s stay-at-home style is freeing Andersson up on offense, and he has 4 goals and 7 assists to prove it. He also plays on both the power play and penalty kill for the Flames. If Andersson can keep up this pace, he could remain on the Flames as a leader for their rebuild, or have huge trade value at the deadline if the playoffs are not in reach.
Struggling Special Teams
The Flames special teams are not starting off well. The power play ranks 25th in the NHL at 14.3%. The penalty kill isn’t much better, at 73% which is good for 26th in the league. It’s clear the Flames will need to find some special teams mojo if they hope for long-term success this season.
Goalie Tandem Working
One of the biggest areas of uncertainty in the off-season was the goaltending. The Flames crease has looked safe in the hands of Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar. Both goalies have a save percentage above .900 and Vladar just picked up his first shutout of the season against the Devils. The Flames hope they have their long-term starter in Wolf, but the tandem approach seems to be working well for now.
The Calgary Flames will be an interesting team to watch this season and the fanbase will be happy with a surprise playoff appearance, or solid progress from the team’s young core.
