CALGARY – It`s a common perception that the Calgary Flames have been perpetually in the middle of the NHL standings.
Looking back at the last 30 years, their record of 1,096-949-111-197 indeed places them around 17th in the league.
In a league of 32 teams where 16 make the playoffs, this ranking highlights their consistent position: often just outside playoff contention, yet not poor enough to secure top draft picks.
While missing the playoffs again this season might seem like the same old story for Calgary, there`s a significant difference in how this season at the Saddledome unfolded.
This season should be viewed as a genuine success.
Considering the significant roster changes initiated by Craig Conroy a year prior, this first season of the team`s “hybrid rebuild” was always intended to prioritize development and progress over mere points accumulation.
Tristan Blackwood