Now that the playoffs have started and the Flames, who were predicted to be a top team at the start of the season, missed making the playoffs in the final week of the season.
That means they end up in their traditional “absolutely middle of the pack” position they usually get in years they suck, it’s time to review the ways this season was one of the most painful I’ve watched.
I think the early season predictions would’ve held and they would’ve at least been in the playoffs if they had…
* for example, Matthew Philips was leading the AHL in goal scoring, Dustin Wolf was the leading AHL goaltender but Philips got a brief look and Wolf didn’t play until they were eliminated (and of course he won.).
Flames Prospects on Twitter: Phillips and Wolf named to the AHL’s First All-Star Team! ? Phillips has an impressive 75 points in 64 games this season and is tied for the league lead in goals (36) Wolf is leading the AHL in all major goaltending categories, GAA – 2.08, Wins -…
— Flames Reddit (@FlamesReddit) April 13, 2023
* worse, Phillips is a free agent and will likely end up with another team. (The Flames have a history of letting undersized players go on to success elsewhere – Martin St. Louis, Marc Savard and arguably even Johnny Gaudreau though time will tell if he has more success in Columbus.)
* record-setting 17 OT/shootout losses
* Going back to an earlier point, I can’t imagine how an undersized but top AHL goal scorer like Phillips couldn’t have helped the Flames in 3-on-3 overtime.
* actually named a captain
…and worst of all, not lost to their arch rival Oilers in last year’s playoffs which seems to have psychologically damaged the entire team as much as I hate to admit it.
The Flames whole 2022-23 season pic.twitter.com/58OWns3XWP https://t.co/EpPezO97BN
— Aman Kurji (@AmanKurji) June 12, 2023
They’ve had ups and downs over the years like all teams. But like I said earlier, this was probably the single most painful season I’ve seen as a Flames fan.
I mean, it could always be worse. We could be the Oilers! 😉
Flames fans are beating themselves up over this season finishing with 93 points. That point total, 93 points, would represent the fourth best season for the Edmonton Oilers since 2006. They sure love patting themselves on the back when they have been one of the worst team in the NHL for 15 years.
And it could get better next year too!
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