The Athletic projects the Calgary Flames as a 2023-24 playoff team
By Ryan Pike
9 months agoSince the Calgary Flames returned to the playoffs in 2014-15 and went to the second round, they’ve been a team that makes the playoffs sometimes. Heck, every other year; they qualified for the proper Stanley Cup playoffs in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
Over at The Athletic, they’ve reached the Flames in their extensive team preview series. And they project the Flames as a team that qualifies for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Shayna Goldman, Dom Luszczyszyn and Sean Gentille put together some really detailed team previews over at The Athletic. (We’re biased because we know a lot of the folks over there, but it’s well worth the subscription price.) Here’s a snippet of their rundown of the Flames:
“It’s unlikely the Flames can still be a true contender this season, and it’s possible that going for it might be the wrong direction for them entirely given their current free-agent situation. But on the basis of talent within their roster, the Flames should be a lot better than they’re given credit for. This is a playoff team.”
The Athletic’s model has the Flames projected for 96.5 points, a 71% chance at making the playoffs, and a 2% chance of winning the Stanley Cup. On this basis, they’re not necessarily a heavy-hitter in the NHL, but they’re one of the stronger non-contender teams in the NHL.
Head over to the Athletic for the full breakdown.
Do you agree with the Athletic’s assessment? Are the Flames a playoff team this season? Let us know in the comments!
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