Biggest Questions for 2022-23 Flames

[PeteMoss]

So we've got a new season coming up and a very revamped roster. Most projections still have the Flames as one of the better teams in the league despite swapping out their two top scorers. It is basically a complete swap in team identity in one off-season.

So what are you most interested in seeing and what are biggest questions you have for the team?

For me - its how do they gain the offensive zone. Gaudreau was by far the player who would carry the puck into the offensive zone (Backlund probably the 2nd most). How do the Flames make up for that and get offensive possession? Weegar will help here as he's on the best in the league from the blueline at this.

[Goriders]

I’m interested to see how all of the new players eventually fit into the lineup.

Biggest question for me is whether Markstrom’s head is right.

[getbak]

Will the parade end at Olympic Plaza or the Saddledome?

[jg13]

Can Vladar get 30 starts?
Can Toffoli find chemistry with new line mates in a contract year?
Will Weegar overtake Andersson on the top PP unit?
Will Treliving make a move for a top 9F and when?

[Poe969]

Will they get the top tier RW they need/ can the top 6 score enough with what they have if they don't make a move?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Will the voters take in to account the massive changes to the core when evaluating the Jack Adams candidacy?

[Lanny_McDonald]

Will Markstrom recover from the playoff meltdown or go full Tommy Salo?

[Bonded]

It will be interesting to see if they gel. I feel like every time the Flames have a good team on paper they self destruct

[Kipper_3434]

Originally Posted by jg13

Can Vladar get 30 starts?
Can Toffoli find chemistry with new line mates in a contract year?
Will Weegar overtake Andersson on the top PP unit?
Will Treliving make a move for a top 9F and when?

Toffoli isn't in a contract year yet.

[Vinny01]

Will the team live up to the hype? Watching some preseason previews many have the Flames making the conference finals, cup finals, and some have them winning it all. The Flames were the surprise team in the league last year and went from the bubble to contention. This year the expectation is this team remains elite and in many ways is better than last year.

The post Iginla flames have been guilty of getting too high on themselves I believe. We saw one good year followed by a let down for the most part through the entire Gio/Johnny era. I think with Sutter that risk is mitigated significantly as he won’t let them be unprepared.

While they have added 3 high end pieces and lost 2 it will take some time to get the group gelling. I do think Huberdeau has a chip on his shoulder after being traded, I think the guys that remain have a similar chip to prove they are a great team without Johnny and Chucky.

[direwolf]

I'd say the biggest question is how many games will it take the new core to find some chemistry together. They've got 3 pretty tough games to start the year, especially against Colorado and Vegas. Oilers are a dumpster fire, but I'm worried that McLotteryball and Pissy might still be in Markstrom's head.

We also still have a pretty big hole at RW.

[EVERLAST]

I expect Vladar or someone else to by the end of the year to take the #1 spot in net. I saw a goalie get pretty good support last year which seriously propped up his numbers .

He's good but playoffs was a different animal because i wasn't overly confident at all in him making thr saves needed when needed most.

Our D needs to be getting pucks skated out of our end and up ice way more than last year as there were times we could barely get through the neutral zone.

This team WILL NOT miss #19 and #13 .....play like a coward and get rewarded with getting your butt kicked every time.

Seriously. The F ing Oilers and scooter and gluegun made us look horribad in playoffs. Wow what a joke that was.

So glad Darryl is back and extended . Even happier Treliving worked tirelessly to get us quality players to move forward with.

Go Flames

[PuckSlap]

Will the chemistry be there early enough?

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by EVERLAST

I expect Vladar or someone else to by the end of the year to take the #1 spot in net. I saw a goalie get pretty good support last year which seriously propped up his numbers .

Lol. Not a chance.

[Psytic]

I expect them to change the goalie coach before they make Vladar the #1.

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by jg13

Can Vladar get 30 starts?

30 would be great, but at this stage I'd be ok with 57/25 which is 2:1.

I will be disappointed in both the team and Sutter if Marky starts 62+ games.

[joejoe3]

Will CP blow up after tonight's game?

[Flaming Horse]

Can they play with structure and high compete.They need to find that identity that they played with for about the first 50 games last year and then they got away from it. If this team is going to win they are going to do it with goaltending and team checking. Kadri will be key. He is already 32 and how much does he have left. Can he be the shutdown centre the team has been lacking. Can he be annoying and effective against players like Mcdufus.How does a guy like Weegar do against players like Mcdufus.He is suppose to be good at Taking away zone entries. This will be important against teams like the Avs and Greasers.Getting a strong forecheck is when they are at their best.

The flames need to do a lot better job against fast teams. They need to play their style and take away time and space. Be more physical. They have an edge over some teams and they need to use the physical side to their advantage. Can Dube be an everyday top six player. Can Mangiapane take that next step and be a legit top winger. I think the goaltending should fine. I like our chances with this core more than I did with the previous core. Go Flames Go. Its go time.

[Makarov]

When is Oliver Kylington coming back?

[gvitaly]

Who's going to be CP's favorite Whipping boy 2022-23 edition?