The Calgary Flames are setting the ice on fire as they dominate the NHL standings with a perfect 4-0-0 record just one week into the season. Their scorching start was further fueled by a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, tying a franchise record for their best-ever start to a campaign.
After a lackluster 38-39-5 season under new head coach Ryan Huska last year, there is newfound promise in Calgary. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson praised the team’s commitment to their system, emphasizing their hard work and support for one another on the ice.
The Flames have already claimed victories over rivals like the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers, and on Tuesday they shut down rising star Connor Bedard of the Blackhawks. Goaltender Dustin Wolf expressed pride in shutting down the highly-touted young player and credited the team’s strong start to their collective effort.
Both Huska and general manager Craig Conroy took the reins in 2023 and orchestrated a significant roster overhaul, parting ways with key players like Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov, and eventually Jacob Markstrom. Despite expectations of a rebuild, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that the Flames have no intentions of entering a selling phase.
LeBrun shared insights into Conroy’s strategy, highlighting the veteran core players’ commitment to the team’s transition. Players like Nazem Kadri, Mackenzie Weegar, and Blake Coleman are seen as integral parts of the roster moving forward, with Conroy valuing their experience and leadership during this period of change.