Flames dead last in NHL in one obscure yet concerning stat

The Calgary Flames have had an impressive start to their season, though their current winning streak may not be sustainable.Following last night’s 2-1 shootout win over the New York Islanders, the Flames improved their record to 10-6-3. It’s been a surprising yet pleasant run that has rightfully excited many fans, who are now starting to believe this resilient group may have what it takes to sneak into a playoff spot.While that resiliency is great to see, they’ve often relied on late-game comebacks to pick up wins. A tweet sent out by Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 last night helps indicate just that.> Lots of crazy stats surrounding Calgary’s start.> > But the fact they’re 32nd overall with 191:58 spent with the lead this season and still where they are is the craziest one for me.> > That’s just 16.5% of their time on ice, yet here they are at 10-6-3. #Flames> > — Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) November 20, 2024Through their first 19 games of the season, the Flames have held a lead just 16.5% of the time.What makes this so concerning is that coming from behind in the NHL is no easy feat, particularly later in the season, when teams play tighter systems and lock things down to close out leads.Furthermore, the Flames have managed just nine goals in the first period this season. That is the second worst of all NHL teams, with only the 6-10-4 San Jose Sharks having managed less with eight.The second period hasn’t been a whole lot kinder to the Flames, as they’ve scored just 12, which ranks ahead of only the 6-12-1 Chicago Blackhawks (11) and the 8-8-2 Anaheim Ducks (7).To the Flames’ credit, they are strong defensively and have also been getting great goaltending, which has allowed them to remain in games despite their lack of goals through the opening 40 minutes.That said, heading into the third period trailing as often as they have been early on this season is generally a recipe for disaster, and while you can’t help but admire their compete level, they are going to need to find a way to put up more offence early in games if they hope to continue picking up wins.Tonight would serve as a great opportunity to start doing just that, as they face a very tough opponent in the New York Rangers. You might also like:- Flames' Kirkland scores shootout winner with parents in attendance

The Calgary Flames have had an impressive start to their season, though their current winning streak may not be sustainable. Following last night’s , the Flames improved their record to 10-6-3. It’s been a surprising yet pleasant run that has rightfully excited many fans, who are now starting to believe this resilient group may have what it takes to sneak into a playoff spot.

While that resiliency is great to see, they’ve often relied on late-game comebacks to pick up wins. A tweet sent out by Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 last night helps indicate just that. Through their first 19 games of the season, the Flames have held a lead just 16.

5% of the time. What makes this so concerning is that coming from behind in the NHL is no easy feat, particularly later in the season, when teams play tighter systems and lock things down to close out leads. Furthermore, the Flames have managed just nine goals in the first period this season.

That is the second worst of all NHL teams, with only the 6-10-4 San Jose Sharks having managed less with eight. The second period hasn’t been a whole lot kinder to the Flames, as they’ve scored just 12, which ranks ahead of only the 6-12-1 Chicago Blackhawks (11) and the 8-8-2 Anaheim Ducks (7). To the Flames’ credit, they are strong defensively and have also been getting great goaltending, which has allowed them to remain in games despite their lack of goals through the opening 40 minutes.

That said, heading into the third period trailing as often as they have been early on this season is generally a recipe for disaster, and while you can’t help but admire their compete level, they are going to need to find a way to put up more offence early in games if they hope to continue picking up wins. Tonight would serve as a great opportunity to start doing just that, as they face a very tough opponent in the New York Rangers..