Flames at the midpoint: Surprises, challenges and a shot at the playoffs

The Calgary Flames were never expected to start the season on a four-game winning streak, let alone be considered a possible playoff contender. 

Several pre-season predictions ranked Calgary as one of the bottom five teams in the league. 

But right out of the gate, the Flames started the season strong, outscoring opponents 19 to 10 in their first four games. 

The Flames are not only overachieving in the standings, they have been getting surprising performances from several players on their roster.

As they hit the halfway mark of the 2024-25 season, doubts persist over how long they can keep the momentum going. 

"At the beginning of the year, maybe we weren't picked to finish too high in the standings, but inside that room they believe they can win each and every night," Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy told CBC News. 

The Flames find themselves sitting one spot out of the final playoff spot going into the second half of the season, trailing their West Coast rivals, the Vancouver Canucks.

"This season was supposed to be measured … not in points or a playoff race, or a playoff position, but growth," said Eric Francis, Sportsnet columnist and Calgary Flames analyst.  

Some of that development has come from 23-year-old Dustin Wolf, as the two-time AHL all-star goaltender has made his mark in the Calgary crease. 

"Part of the reason we traded Jacob Markstrom was so we could get to see where Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar are," Conroy said, adding that Wolf seems to be gaining confidence every game.

The young netminder has picked up 13 of the Flames 19 wins this season, while boasting a 2.60 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. 

Another young phenom for the Flames has been former 2020 first-round draft pick, Connor Zary. The 23-year-old is proving to be a key asset for the team. 

Francis believes the team has been looking to add a successful centre ever since sending Elias Lindholm to the Canucks in 2024. 

Zary has been a positive presence for the Flames this season, recording 10 goals and 12 assists. 

The young star left Tuesday's game after a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks defenceman Drew Helleson —which Francis called a "devastating loss."

Zary was recently cleared of any damage to his ACL or MCL, hinting toward a faster recovery than expected. Though any time away from the team will leave a significant gap in Calgary's depth.

Recently named AHL all-star Rory Kerins will be called upon during Zary's time away. Kerins is expected to make his NHL debut on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings, added Francis. 

The Ontario native has posted a breakout year with the Calgary Wranglers, the Flames' AHL affiliate, having scored 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 34 games.

Veteran victories 

"The fact that they're in a playoff race that nobody thought they could be in is significant," said Francis, pointing to how a pair of veterans have helped push the team into playoff contention.

Calgary linemates, 31-year-old Jonathan Huberdeau and 34-year-old Nazem Kadri are playing pivotal roles in keeping the team's post-season hopes alive.

"Offensively this team is extremely challenged, scoring goals is not easy for them," said Francis.

"If it weren't for Huberdeau and Kadri … I think that they'd really be in trouble and they wouldn't be in a playoff race." 

Andrei Kuzmenko and Yegor Sharangovich are two more players the Flames will need strong performances from in order to continue the success of the team. 

"I think they're big parts," said Conroy, adding he feels that Sharangovich seems to have found his rhythm lately.

"I believe they're both going to break out here."         

Sharangovich, who joined the Flames last season and put up 59 points, has been held to just 11 points in 33 games after an early season injury this year. 

Kuzmenko has missed numerous games due to injury and being a healthy scratch. The 28-year-old was a once 39-goal scorer, but has found the net just once in his 31 games this season. 

Francis says the Flames haven't given up on Kuzmenko yet. 

"They're going to work very hard to try and give him every opportunity to find his game again if they can, that would be a huge addition for a team that desperately needs goals."

Conroy says everyone will be called upon in the final stretch, including recently acquired forward Ryan Lomberg.

"He brings that physicality," said Conroy. "Whether we're up or down, he always seems to say the right thing." 

Fire postpones Kings game

Calgary will play the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday after Wednesday's match-up between the teams was postponed as catastrophic wildfires overwhelmed the city.

Calgary hosted the Kings back in November, beating them 3 to 1. 

Former Flames goalie David Rittich is expected to be between the pipes across from Dan Vladar, who will be making his 19th start of the season.