Losing Monahan is a good thing lol. But at the end of the day this team still has very solid goaltending, a high end d core, and a decent offense. That being said I don’t know that they can make it out of the first round if they have to go up against a team with a more dynamic forward core like Colorado, St. Louis and Edmonton. I just don’t c Calgary’s top line as a threat the way they were last year.

In playoffs it is defence and goaltending that wins rounds - and the Flames have gotten way better on that side with Weager!

May not win as many reg season games but playoffs could be a whole different story.

I think that the team is significantly better built to handle ebbs and flows of the season, they may not win as many regular season games but they had the third best GA last season and were a +85, no chance they have as many blowouts and get to that differential again but they system is built for a roster like this, 3 deep down the middle, puck possession darlings, the top 4 on the back end could be one of the best in the league and Markstrom shouldn't face as many high danger chances. I think teams are going to have a much harder time scoring against the Flames this season and I think the offence will still be a top 12 - 15 ish.

Agreed. I just don’t know that I buy them as a cup contender

I don't disagree with that at all, just get to the dance!