Calgary Flames Preview 2021
Over the past 12 seasons, our Calgary Flames preview 2021 - 22 notes that this team has been to the playoffs just four times. In those four Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, the best the Flames have done is a trip to the second round. They did that once. Last season, Calgary (26-27-3) finished fifth in the NHL North with 55 points. They did not qualify for the playoffs. This season, they have a shot at a postseason berth. But it won’t be easy.
Flames - Key Skaters
First things first, as our Calgary Flames preview 2021 - 22 acknowledges that the loss of captain and defenseman Mark Giordano in the expansion draft is huge for this team. Giordano was a key contributor and premium anchor. Still, Calgary’s first line, which is comprised of center Elias Lindholm and wings Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, has the potential to be one of the most productive in the NHL. Last season, when in 5-on-5 situations, this line averaged 4.71 goals per 60 minutes. Also on wing, Andrew Mangiapane offers fine two-way skills, while on defense Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington are top notch.
Calgary Flames Preview 2021 – Goaltending
In goal, veteran Jacob Markstrom (22-19-2) returns for his second season with the Flames. Markstrom, who spent his first two-plus seasons with the Panthers, spent his next seven years with the Canucks. Throughout his career, Markstrom has struggled to play .500 hockey. In 10 NHL seasons, he’s gone 132-137-34. The Flames welcome second-year goaltender Dan Vladar. In 2020-21, his first NHL season, Vladar was 2-2-1 with Boston. He recorded an .886 save percentage and 3.40 goals against average. For Calgary this season, expect to see him in net. He could be the future netminder for this team.
Calgary Flames Preview 2021 – Final Word
Head coach Darryl Sutter has a first line that is explosive and some solid guys on defense. However, depth is an issue, and goaltending is questionable. However, our Calgary Flames preview 2021 - 22 finds that in 19 years of coaching, Sutter has been to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 14 times, winning the Cup in 2011-12 and 2013-14 with the Kings. Last season was his first with the Flames. After one year with Calgary, we expect Sutter will get his team to a new level.
NHL Pacific Division - Calgary Flames Projection 2021
Finish: 4th
Stanley Cup Appearance
Eliminated Round One