Flames fans wondering if 2023 will bring more consistency
Posted Dec 28, 2022 7:36 pm.
As the Calgary Flames approach the midway mark of the NHL season, they are sitting fifth in the Pacific Division, with a record of 16-13-7. But what many fans are asking, is can the team find more consistency in 2023?
“Scoring issues are likely to persist with the roster the way it is currently built,” said Nathan Ross, co-founder and editor at ScorchStack.
“I think that if you look at the schedule coming up for the Flames, there are a lot of winnable games. So it is a chance for them to really get that mojo. I don’t think there’s really a true test until the Dallas game in mid-January.”
When it comes to areas of improvement, the Flames are averaging just 3.06 goals per game, slotting them in the bottom third of the league.
While some had expected scoring boosts from like the likes of summer acquisitions, Ross was quick to point to their typical conversion rates.
“If we look at the shooting percentage for a lot of the guys, they are consistent with years passed. You look at guys like Lindholm, Huberdeau, and Toffoli; all consistent. Kadri I think right now is shooting his exact career average,” he added.
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Before losing to the Oilers on Tuesday night, the Flames entered the holiday break by extracting seven of eight points on a four-game road trip.
During the stretch, they scored a total of 18 goals. However, to bring more consistency, Ross suggests the team may need to add another forward.
“The true wish list for this team is going to be that finishing talent. Because the goaltending position is set, we know that defense right now is an issue of missing guys, not necessarily the talent that’s there. So really it’s that finishing that we need,” Ross explained.
The Flames will be back at the Dome on New Year’s Eve when they face off against the Vancouver Canucks.
