The Calgary Flames: Mid Season Report

By Derrick Newman

40 games into the 2011-12 season the Calgary Flames are hovering in 12^th place in the Western Conference two points back of the Dallas Stars and nine points back of the Vancouver Canucks for first place in the Northwest division.

Now, the idea of winning the division at the beginning of the season was a pipe dream with the likes of defending Western Conference champion Vancouver being in the mix, and truth be told it’s about as likely to happen as Mission Impossible winning Best Picture at the Oscars.

But, the idea of the Flames making the playoffs has always been a point of contention. Will they or won’t they?

Well, if the playoffs started today, they would be on the outside looking in for the third straight season.

The good news is that the playoffs do not start today and the Flames have just over half a season to make the ascent up the standings into the top eight in the soon to be transformed Western Conference.

The bad news, as of right now, the Flames have played more games than every team they are chasing, including six more than 9^th place San Jose and three more than 8^th place Dallas – meaning that the Flames most likely sit a little further back than the current standings suggest.

But isn’t this sort of what everyone expected?

Flames Roll Into Break

What can I say?
This team is playing great hockey. Led by superb goaltending from Miikka Kiprusoff, special teams prowess, and secondary scoring, the Calgary Flames find themselves two points out of a playoff spot heading into the All Star break.

The power play has figured things out. They have potted six goals on their last 17 chances, which include four goals in their last two games on the man-advantage. The power play is overshadowing the penalty kill in a big way though. They haven’t allowed a PP goal against in their last four contests going perfect on 14 opposition chances. They are consistently keeping the opposing shots to the perimeter and playing solid defence.