Calgary Flames Recent Success Making Strong Playoff Case

The Calgary Flames Are Pushing a Hot Streak as of Late. This Hot Streak is Proving That the Flames Are Playing Hard and Showing They’re Ready to Take the Playoffs By Storm.

Calgary Flames, the “C” on fire on the front of their jersey is quite literally representing their play as of late. Remember back in November when Brian Elliott was off to a god awful start and Chad Johnson took over the starting role. Johnny Gaudreau went down ten games from a nasty slash in November.

Calgary was off to a bit of a rough start early in the year. Their young guys, Sam Bennett, Sean Monahan weren’t producing, Troy Brouwer wasn’t doing what they expected him to do. It was a rough first few months for the Flames, let’s just say that.

Fast forward a few months, Brian Elliott is on a six game winning streak, boy does it kill me to say that. They’re 8-1-1 in their last ten games, sitting comfortably in the first wild card spot, two points out from second place in the Pacific division.

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The Hot Streak

The Flames recent tear has started with more consistent goaltending, along with an explosive offense up front. Over the last month, Mikael Backlund has tallied 12 points, 6 goals 6 assists. Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau has notched 9 helpers and 2 goals. After a slow start Sean Monahan now has 43 points on the year, along with his first fourth 20+ goal year. Along with some help from the rookie Matthew Tkachuk who’s nearing the 50 point mark.

Along with some defensive production as of late from Dougie Hamilton and Mark Giordano. Hamilton has 10 goals and 29 assists (3 goals 4 assists over the last month). Gio is riding a four game point streak and has 9 goals and 20 assists on the year. This team is getting production from their top guys and some bottom guys, production is evenly distributed which is playing a pivotal part in their success.

I remember back in December listening to Mike Johnson on NHL Network ripping apart these guys, and the Flames saying how they’ve been real bad and there’s not much light at the end of tunnel for them. He’s probably swallowing those words now.

With exactly a month and three days left in the season, it’s a sprint for every team looking for a playoff appearance. The usual five day break teams get is over with, each time has had at least one. From here on out it’s a race to the finish line. Therefore every game counts.

The Final Push

Calgary faces off against mostly Eastern Conference teams in the month of March. The way the East looks now, no game will come easy for them. Along with playing a team right on their back for a playoff spot, Los Angeles Kings three times in the last month makes those games even more interesting.

Facing off against Anaheim two times back to back in the last week of regular season play makes those games important. Towards the end of the year teams usually rest their best guys, but these back-to-back games with Anaheim will likely determine where Calgary will sit in playoff time.

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The Flames missed the playoffs last season and had a somewhat disappointing season compared to the year before when they made the playoffs. The young players are used to the team and the veterans are stepping up therefore you will see this team come playoff time. With the first wild card spot right now they’re squared up against former Stanley Cup contenders San Jose Sharks.