4 Big Questions for the Calgary Flames in 2020-21

1. Can They Keep The Fire Burning?

If you’re going to win and be a competitive team, you need to be a cohesive unit. With no exhibition games and only intra-squad matches, there’s no real competition before Opening Night against the Winnipeg Jets. In football Training Camp, you oftentimes hear about fights breaking out at practice to stir up competition and get players going.

The Calgary Flames fell flat in the postseason and could use a little something to stoke the fire. However, fighting each other might not be the answer. They open up their season against the Winnipeg Jets, who the Flames knocked out of the postseason this past August.

The series against the Jets was a rather intense matchup. Matthew Tkachuk became enemy number one in Game One when in an awkward collision, his skate nicked Mark Scheifele’s leg- ending his season. It was another awkward collision that ended Patrik Laine’s season.

This is what the Calgary Flames need to get their season going. There is going to be a level of competition that they maybe haven’t seen since before the pause. The Flames are going to need to treat each game as an elimination game. No matter if you’re playing Toronto or Ottawa, you cannot underestimate their opponent. Every point matters. Sure, in the normal divisions, you can afford to fall into a slump thanks to teams like the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks, but six out of the seven teams are highly competitive. You should be leaving each game with at least a point.

That wraps up the Calgary Flames 2020-21 NHL Season Preview. Be sure to check out our other previews!