The Calgary Flames are atop the Pacific Division and riding a pretty strong stretch of play into March. However, it’s inevitable that nervous fans’ thoughts drift back to the last edition of the team to look this impressive: the 2018-19 edition, which suffered a gutting playoff loss to Colorado that season.
When you dig into the data, particularly regarding how the coaching staff manages player usage and performance, the 2021-22 Flames are a much different team than the 2018-19 edition and it makes them a more sustainable, balanced team.
Unless otherwise noted, all data cited here are from the fine folks at Natural Stat Trick!