Analyzing the Calgary Flames’ tough schedule in October

Hockey is finally back, and it will be an immediate grind for the Calgary Flames. They got to start their season against the Western Conference Champions in the Edmonton Oilers, then rush on over to Vancouver to play the Canucks the next day. The home opener will take place on Saturday afternoon against the St. Louis Blues. This will be a game the Flames are fired up for, as the Blues barely beat them to the last playoff spot last year. Let’s take a look at the tough schedule ahead in October.

Tough competition to begin the year

Looking at the overall schedule, October will be one of the toughest months for the Flames. All of the teams they play could be playoff teams down the stretch. Not to mention, they also have two back-to-backs in the first two weeks of the season. This will be an early test to see how good the Flames will be this year. Wolf and Cooley will have their work cut out for them early.

After having three games in four days to start the season, the Flames have another back-to-back in the second week. This one includes a home game against the Vegas Golden Knights and an away game in Utah. Then, they finish up the week against Vegas on Saturday. This marks a tough set of games as the Flames were awful against the Golden Knights last season. They went 1–3 against them, getting shut out twice.

The third week of the season gives the Flames another home-and-home series against the Jets. Winnipeg was the strongest team in the regular season last year, recording 116 points to secure the Presidents’ Trophy. They also have the reigning Hart Trophy winner in Connor Hellebuyck. After these tough games, the Flames will finish the month off against the Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Senators, all of which could be playoff teams.

Games to watch

Although October may be a rough stretch, there will be lots of good games to tune in for. The season has already started with a bang. The 4–3 shootout win over the Oilers was an outstanding comeback, which was sparked by Matvei Gridin’s first NHL goal. Dustin Wolf locked it down in overtime to secure the win. Shockingly enough, the Flames did something in their first game that they struggled with all of last year. That is, winning in overtime!

The home and home games against the Jets will likely be great games to watch. Both teams have stellar starting goalies who will set the tone immediately. Calgary struggled against the Jets last year, going 1–2 and giving up five goals in both losses. Other than this, games against Eastern Conference teams are fun to watch, especially Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. All three of these teams have star power that will create a highly anticipated matchup.

Flames fans have other reasons to be excited for hockey. Every game that Matvei Gridin and Zayne Parekh play in will create a lot of buzz around the C of Red. Flames head coach Ryan Huska scratched Parekh in the opening games of the season. This upset many fans as it would be ideal to play their top prospect against a top team. Fortunately, Gridin has been an excellent addition to the Flames’ lineup.