2013-14 record: 35-40-7 (77 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Mark Giordano
The Calgary Flames missed the playoffs last year, but it felt different from the previous four seasons they missed the playoffs. Gone are the days of being perpetually at the salary cap ceiling, and there is no Jarome Iginla or Miikka Kiprusoff to lead the way. In its place is a hard working team that is short on overall depth, but a prospect system that looks far better than in years past. Goaltending will be a strong point, as Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo both are NHL-starter caliber players, and both will have something to prove, with Hiller needing to prove that he can still be that guy and Ramo needing to prove that he can keep the momentum going. The blue line is short on depth, with Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie being the only pair that strikes fear in any opponent. Forwards are also short on depth, and only one of two 20-plus goal scorers from last year (Sean Monahan) returns. A healthy Curtis Glencross and contributions from Mason Raymond and potentially anything from the youth such as Sam Bennett, Johnny Guadreau and Sven Baertschi will help.
Prediction: 6th in the Pacific Division
The Flames aren't expected to contend for a playoff spot anytime soon, but a hard-working unit is giving fans reason that there will be a light at the end of the rebuilding tunnel. How long it will last remains to be seen.
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