Game Notes Countdown To The NHL - #23 Calgary Flames

Jonathan Kozub. Getty Images.

NHL Team: Calgary Flames

Conference: Western

Division: Pacific

2022-23 Recap: Disappointment is a good description of the Flames season, but dumpster fire and shit show are also acceptable. They were seen as a team with all the pieces to make a Cup run and give the fans another battle of Alberta and a chance to shave Biz's head again, but instead, they stunk. The team had too many losing streaks and seemed to have fallen a step behind the other teams in the Pacific.  

Biggest Loss: Tyler Toffoli - A proven winner who had a career year will be extremely tough to replace. Whenever you lose a top-line player it hurts and I don't see anyone who can step in as a substitute for that leadership and scoring punch. 

Biggest Addition: Jarome Iginla - Yes this is a front-office addition but the Flames needed more people in the building that love the crest and the franchise. He is the most recognizable face out of Calgary since Lanny Macdonald's mustache stopped going to Cowboys. Iginla can help the players navigate playing in Calgary which can be tough.

2023-24 Outlook: 5th in the Pacific - Markstrom would have to have a Vezina Trophy Candidate season for the Flames to make the playoffs.

Player To Watch: Jonathan Huberdeau - one of the pieces that came back with the Tkachuk trade that has not shown the top-level talent night in and night out in the North. 15 goals in the last campaign is not good enough. Look for him to get back to his normal form with the coaching change.

2023-2024 Season Bet:  Flames to NOT make the playoffs +140

Everybody Rides!!!

Twitter: mattmurley19

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