Calgary Flames: Contender or Pretender?

Just past the halfway mark in the 2024-2025 season, here are some interesting facts about the Calgary Flames:

1. O'Reilly / Oh Really?!?

Not wanting to tinker too much and giving up some too much for the future after having no picks in the first three rounds in this past Entry Level Draft, GM Jeff Irvine was content heading into the new season with the roster as it was given the success of the previous year. After plugging some holes in the line-up with the addition of Nikita Zaitsev on defense, allowing for the call-up of Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil from the AHL Wranglers, and signing Scott Wedgewood in goal, the team was 10-6-1 after 17 games. Irvine realized that just one move could potentially change the dynamic of the team and inquired about Ryan O'Reilly from the Seattle Kraken. With the addition of the veteran player as the number 1 centre for winger Jack Hughes, the team has exploded going 23-4-2 including a 13-game win streak which saw them leapfrog the reigning champ Vegas Golden Knights into first place in the Pacific. O'Reilly himself has been a point-a-game player and giving the Flames two solid scoring lines. 

2. East vs. West

It is important for a team to be successful in its own division and conference and it can also be necessary to ensure success against teams in the opposing conference. While the Calgary Flames record of 19-6-3 against teams in its own conference has ensured a place in the playoffs, its record of 14-4-0 against the Eastern Conference has helped cement its potential success in those playoffs. 

3. +/-

When GM Irvine took the reins of the Flames franchise, he recognized the need to improve the defensive focus of the team. Scoring wasn't an issue with elite superstar Jack Hughes leading the way but every player including Hughes was in the negative in the goals for/goals against metric. While scoring is always important, having a more defense-first mindset was important to Irvine in the players he sought to fill the lineup. Every player traded for or signed by the Flames with Irvine at the helm has been a plus player ensuring future success for the individual players and the team as a whole.

4. Speaking of scoring...

It was important that Calgary sprinkle the scoring throughout the lineup instead of leaning on one or two lines to provide offense. So, while Calgary leads the league in goals for, they only have two players in the Top 25 in forward scoring with Hughes and 2nd line centre William Karlsson leading the charge and two defenseman in the Top 25 overall thanks to the success of Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson. The team has had notable scoring success with its third and fourth lines and bottom pairing of defense. 

5. And finally...

While the pro team has shown success in the regular season and with the AHL Wranglers winning the Calder Cup in GM Irvine's inaugaral season, the lack of success in the playoffs has remained a thorn in his side. The team has not won a playoff series and has a combined 1-8 record. Irvine hopes his careful approach in building this team will help lead the Flames to a long and healthy playoff run.