Clean slate for Flames ahead 2021/22 season

CALGARY — It’s been a week since the Calgary Flames hit the ice in game action when they closed out the preseason against the Winnipeg Jets last Friday.

While the Flames are set to embark on a new season Saturday, they are hoping it will end with a better outcome than last season.

After missing out on the playoffs by only five points, there is some uncertainty from fans going into this year, wondering if they can get over the hump.

“I’m hesitantly excited. I just don’t think they made enough changes, to be honest. It’s the same core group,” one fan said.

“I”m not sure. I think it’s kind of a bit of wait and see here. I certainly hope so, I’m not confident in that yet though,” another added.

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But it isn’t all doom and gloom with the fans who do have some cautious optimism when starting out with a clean slate. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the first game of the season is the first edition of the Battle of Alberta which will hopefully get the Flames started off on the right foot if they play a little feisty.

“We’re going to crush those guys… we’re going to have an awesome team out there,” said another fan.

But as long as the Flames play aggressive, most fans are feeling good about the start of the season.

There will also be a different look for the Flames this season, as there will be a big hole on the defence as former captain Mark Giordano is steering another ship as he is playing with the Seattle Kraken.

But in his second stint with the Flames behind the bench, players will get a full year under head coach Daryl Sutter and fans hope he can provide a steady hand.

“Sutter’s going to be good at finding the way to win close games and he’s a good leader and he’s good at bringing the team together. We just need to have our top line produce and show the depth we have on the rest of the team,” Flames fans said.

The Flames will open the season on the road in Edmonton, but return for the home opener on Monday, Oct. 18th where Harvey the Hound and ‘Go Flames Go’ chants will be rocking the Saddledome.

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