{allcanada} Calgary Flames preview: Might be the NHL’s most underrated team

 

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2014-15 results:45-30-7, third in Pacific

Arrivals: D Dougie Hamilton (trade from Boston Bruins), LW Michael Frolik (free agent)

Departures: D Raphael Diaz (signed with New York Rangers)

Goaltending: Three is a crowd. Jonas Hiller (26-19-4, 2.36, .918) is the starter, but the Flames didn't give Karri Ramo (15-9-3, 2.60, .912) $3.5 million to be a traditional backup. Plus Joni Ortio (4-2-0, 2.52, .908) is on a one-way contract, and the Flames are very fond of him.

Analysis: The Flames were successful last season because they ranked sixth in scoring, stayed out of the penalty box and were exceptional in the third period. Johnny Gaudreau's arrival provided a major spark. Center Sean Monahan took a quantum leap in his development. It also helped that the Flames have a talented group on defense and landed Hamilton without giving up anything off the roster. Gaudreau and Monahan will keep improving, and versatile Frolik will chip in 15 to 20 goals. The Flames are on the rise.

What advanced stats say: Calgary's Corsi ranking, a puck possession metric, ranked 28th out of 30 NHL teams, according to war-on-ice.com. The Flames were able to make the playoffs because of their third-period prowess.

Breakthrough candidate: Hamilton, 22, joins a team with multiple puck-moving defensemen. He might not top last season's 42 points, but he should be a more valuable defender in 2015-16.

Youngster to watch: Anyone who watched C Sam Bennett play late last season for the Flames knows he's ready to be a contributor. He's a skilled player with a big heart and overflowing energy.

What the team really needs: More size up front. With Gaudreau and Jiri Hudler among their best players, the Flames check in as one of the NHL's smallest teams. You can be sure that management agrees more toughness is needed. The Flames are feisty, but you need size to help wear down your opponent.

Key question: How big of a star can Gaudreau become? There's no reason he can't have the impact that Paul Kariya did. Gaudreau could score 30 goals this season. He has a knack for finding seams in the defensive coverage and creating a scoring opportunity before the defense realizes he has become a danger.

Forecast: Calgary won't flame out this season. With their defense, the Flames could be the No. 2 team in the Pacific.

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