[SuperMatt18]

The Flames have played 18 games to this date, and have 18 remaining before Jan 1.

And so far it's been a really mixed bag:

First 9 Games: 2-6-1

5v5 Stats: 31.4% GF, 50.9 xGF, 5.2% SH, .875 SV% (0-4 for Andersson's suspension)

Last 9 Games: 5-2-2

5v5 Stats: 57% GF, 52.8% xGF, 9.68% SH, .911 SV%

So a but unlucky over the first 9, and really seemed to struggle in the new system especially without Andersson. But playing better over the last 9, and getting a bit more puck luck too.

But these next 18 Games are going to really determine the Flames direction this season I think...and it's a bit of a Murders row of a schedule.

Next 9 Games: Preds, Stars, Avalanche (B2B), Knights, Stars, Canucks, Wild, Hurricanes, Devils

Final 9 Games Before Jan 1: Avalanche, Knights (B2B), Wild, Lightning, Panthers, Ducks, Kings, Kraken, Flyers,

Avs x 2, Knights x 2, Stars x 2, Canucks, Kings, Panthers, Lightning, Hurricanes, Devils, Flyers

Those 10 teams are a combined 109-54-14...and 13 of the next 18 games are against that group.

Seattle, Preds, Wild, and Ducks are only easier matchups in this final 18 game stretch before 2024.

If the Flames can somehow keep their head above water in this stretch, and get to Jan 1st around .500 or slightly above .500 then they probably are right in the playoff mix.

But this schedule over the next 6 weeks is going to be killer.