The Calgary Flames are off to a terrific and surprising start to the 2024-25 NHL season. Everything is going right for them, getting contributions from the entire roster. With everything clicking, it is time to look at three things that are going exceptionally well for them. The Flames are currently 12-7-3 for 27 points and are second in the Pacific Division, three points behind the Vegas Golden Knights. They are 9-3 at home, 3-4-3 on the road, and 6-2-2 in their last 10.
Flames roster is solid all-around
Dustin Wolf
Goaltender Dustin Wolf came into a position where there was much speculation. One of the franchise's best goaltenders, Jacob Markstrom, had left in the off-season for the New Jersey Devils and left a void between the pipes. Wolf was a big-time prospect coming into a big opportunity and he has taken the ball and ran with it. He has exceeded expectations and is one of the best young goaltenders in the league. He is 8-3 in 12 games, has a 2.47 goals-against-average, a. 921 save percentage (seventh in the league), and has one shutout and one assist. He is singlehandedly why Calgary is where they are and he is showing why he is the franchise goaltender of the future.
Rasmus Andersson
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson is quietly putting together an all-star season. His all-around play is top-notch, and he is playing error-free hockey. He leads the team in scoring with five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He also is a +2, has ten penalty minutes, and has an average of 25:04 time on ice. He is the most complete defenseman in the league today. He is carrying the defense, and they have rallied around him and are playing sound hockey as a unit. His play in all three zones throws the timing off for the opposition, leading to turnovers. He is having a coming-out party this season, and the Flames are having much success.
Secondary Scoring
While the top six consists of Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazim Kadri, Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, Anthony Mantha, and Yegor Sharangovich, the bottom six are putting up solid numbers. The secondary scoring is a reason for the team's success, as many players in the bottom six contribute every night. Justin Kirkland has two goals and six assists for eight points in 19 games. Connor Zary has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 22 games, and Matt Coronato has six goals and four assists for 10 points in 17 games. Kirkland's +6 is third on the team and Coronato's +9 leads all Calgary skaters. Calgary's forwards are solid from the top down and they are showing why they are as important as the top line players.
The defense has played well. Andersson and Wolf are also playing a role in how well the defense has come together. They have allowed 60 goals this season (10th fewest), have a 2.73 goals-against-average, and allow 30.1 shots per game (8th in the league). While this roster may not have many household names, the players are playing like a team and are seeing positive play from everyone in the lineup. This Flames team is proving a team does not have to have elite players, just a sound lineup from top to bottom.