5 Things Calgary Flames Must Do To Make The 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

By Will Billinghurst

5 Things Calgary Flames Must Do To Make The 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

Calgary Flames — The Calgary Flames had high expectations for 2015-16 NHL season after making the playoffs last year, but have had a terrible start to the season. The Flames are in a tough division, which means that teams are fighting for a playoff spot until the final game of the season. So what will it take for the Calgary Flames to make the 2015-16 playoffs?

5. Johnny Gaudreau Needs To Keep Improving

Johnny Gaudreau

5. Johnny Gaudreau Needs To Keep Improving

Johnny Gaudreau — Johnny Gaudreau had an outstanding rookie season last year registering 64 points in 80 games, but if Calgary is going to make the playoffs then Gaudreau needs to be better. Gaudreau is one of the best young players in the NHL and seems to be the future of the Calgary Flames . Gaudreau has to be amazing this season if Calgary has any hope in making the playoffs.

4. Calgary Needs To Solve Their Goaltending Issues

Jonas Hiller

4. Calgary Needs To Solve Their Goaltending Issues

Jonas Hiller — It's only the beginning of the season and Calgary is already having trouble in net after allowing 40 goals in just 10 games, which is one of the worst in the NHL. It also doesn't help that Jonas Hiller and Joni Ortio have both been injured already this season. Calgary needs to decide what to do about goaltending soon before the team is too far down in the standings to make the playoffs.

3. Dougie Hamilton Needs To Prove His Worth

Dougie Hamilton

3. Dougie Hamilton Needs To Prove His Worth

Dougie Hamilton — When Calgary traded for Dougie Hamilton they had high expectations, but Hamilton has yet to live up to those expectations. Hamilton had a career year last season putting up 42 points in 72 games with the Boston Bruins, but so far Hamilton has just two points in 10 games and has a plus-minus of negative 10. Calgary gave Hamilton a six-year contract for $5.75 million a year, so Hamilton needs to start earning that contract and play at his best.

Jiri Hudler Needs To Show Last Season Wasn't A Fluke

Jiri Hudler

2. Jiri Hudler Needs To Show Last Season Wasn't A Fluke

Jiri Hudler — Last season Jiri Hudler had a career high of 76 points in 78 games and if Calgary is going to make the playoffs then Hudler has to show that he can put up similar points again. Hudler needs to be the star player that Calgary has desperately missed since Jarome Iginla. If Hudler can have a repeat of last season then Calgary should have no problem in making the playoffs.

1. Mark Giordano Needs To Stay Healthy

Mark Giordano

1. Mark Giordano Needs To Stay Healthy

Mark Giordano — Mark Giordano is the captain and heart of the Calgary Flames, so if Calgary is going to make the playoffs then Giordano needs to stay healthy. It was evident that Calgary sorely missed having Giordano in the lineup at the end of the season and during the 2014-15 playoffs. The last time Giordano played a full season was during the 2010-11 season. Calgary needs their captain in the lineup to make the playoffs.

Teams in this article »

Calgary Flames

Share On Facebook

Share