Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
3rd. Calgary Flames
Subtractions: McGrattan, Potter, Schlemko
Calgary was a good hockey team last season. Not only that, but they were fun to watch. Those third period comebacks, Johnny Hockey and Sean Monahan. They were gifted Dougie Hamilton from Boston, adding to a really impressive Defensive core unit. I think Calgary probably has the best defense in the league now, especially with Giordano coming back from injury.
It was a season where everything seemed to go right for them despite being against the grain in terms of possession and a high PDO. That tells me they might end up like the Maple Leafs or Avalanche who were defying the possession odds and come crashing down. However, I don’t think it’ll be by much; they did not change their roster and only added two big names in Hamilton and Frolik.
It’s time to give Calgary a bit of respect, even if it’s begrudgingly. It’ll be great that the Battle of Alberta will be relevant again and quite soon.
Next: 2nd. Los Angeles Kings