The Calgary Flames entered the 2025-26 season with moderate expectations after narrowly missing the playoffs in the previous year. However, their first ten games have presented a mixed bag, revealing both challenges and potential areas for growth. Here are five key takeaways from the Flames' early performance:
1. A Disappointing Start: The Flames have struggled out of the gate, posting a 2-7-1 record in their first 10 games. This places them near the bottom of the league standings and raises concerns about their ability to compete for a playoff spot. After winning their first game, the team went on an eight-game losing streak, only managing to grab one point during that stretch. While they managed to defeat the New York Rangers in their tenth game, the team's performance indicates that they are not yet a contending team.
2. Offensive Woes: Calgary has struggled to score goals, ranking among the lowest-scoring teams in the league. Through their first 10 games, they've only managed 21 goals. The team's inability to finish scoring chances has cost them games, even when they've generated opportunities.
3. Coronato's Struggles: Matt Coronato, a highly anticipated young forward, has had a slow start to the season. After a strong 2023-24 season, expectations were high for Coronato, with some predicting he might approach the 40-goal mark. However, he has only scored two goals in nine games and was even a healthy scratch in one game.
4. Veteran Leadership: While the team has faced challenges, the veteran players have started to lead the way. Nazem Kadri leads the team in points with seven, followed by Blake Coleman with six, and Mikael Backlund with five. Their experience and production will be crucial for the Flames to turn their season around.
5. Special Teams Inconsistency: The Flames' special teams have been a mixed bag. Their power play struggles, converting on just 12.2% of their opportunities, ranking among the worst in the league. Head coach Ryan Huska has adjusted the power play unit, but there have not been any significant improvements. The penalty kill has been mediocre, killing off 75% of opponents' power plays, which is 19th in the league.
