This is the first installment of a series reviewing the playoff chances of the NHL’s top 10 teams. We will start with the Pacific Division-leading Calgary Flames. Calgary Flames Eighth in the NHL (30-13-6, .673) DraftKings Odds to win Cup: +1500
Five reasons why the Flames can win the Stanley Cup 1.Flames are built for the postseason: They are hard to play against, gritty, and physical as they need to be. They have a collection of players, led by Matthew Tkachuk, who have an edginess to their game. Exceptional goaltending. Quality defense. Top 10 offense.Their penalty killing ranks third (85. 6) They are currently on a 10-game winning streak.The Flames have scored 42 goals in those wins.
2. Balance between offense and defense: The Flames’ goal-differential is +55. The Florida Panthers (+63) and the Florida Panthers (+56) are the only two teams with better goal-differentials. The Flames rank first in goals-against average (2.33) and are tied for seventh in scoring (3.41 goals per game). The Tyler Toffoli acquisition gives the team one more offensive weapon. They may add another piece, perhaps on defense. 3. Johnny B Good: Johnny Gaudreau is arguably having the best season of his career. He leads the NHL with 53 even-strength points and plus-minus (+41). He is carrying the mail for his team. He seems primed for a memorable playoff run.
4. Difference-maker in net: Jakob Markstrom was a game-changer when he decided to sign with the Flames in 2020. In 39 starts, Markstrom has prevented 35.23 more goals than an average goalie, according to IcyData.com. That ranks third in the NHL. He is second among NHL starters with a .928 save percentage. 5. The Sutter Factor: Darryl Sutter understands NHL playoff hockey the way Albert Einstein knew physics. Sutter appreciates how it all comes together. It seems as if he knows this team has the right pieces to have a legitimate shot at winning it all. He has them playing the right way for playoff success. Three reasons why the Flames can't win the Cup
1.It’s not like the Flames have been building to this: They didn’t make the playoffs last season and they lost in the first round in 2020. They lost in the first round in 2019. 2. The Colorado Avalanche are in the West They are the NHL’s No. 1 team. The Flames and Avalanche haven’t met yet this season.
3. Flames don’t have that elite defenseman We tend to believe you need the star defenseman to win in the postseason. Think Victor Hedman or Alex Pietrangelo or Kris Letang or Drew Doughty, etc. The Flames have a strong defense, but there are no future Hall of Famers.