The Calgary Flames entered November mired at the very bottom of the NHL standings, seemingly locked in a battle for last place with the Nashville Predators. For a segment of the fanbase advocating a full rebuild, this positioning was ideal, keeping hopes alive for a top draft pick like the highly-touted Gavin McKenna. However, the team's performance over the last 30 days has complicated that narrative, offering evidence that they might not be bad enough to remain in the cellar.
A Month of Modest Improvement
The most straightforward indicator of change was in the win column. After a dismal October, the Flames posted a 7-6-2 record in November. This translated to a .533 points percentage, which ranked 21st in the league during that stretch. While not a mark of a contender, it signified a clear step forward from their early-season woes.
This points percentage was notably better than several teams directly above them in the overall standings. Among Western Conference clubs currently outside a playoff spot, only the St. Louis Blues (.567) and the surprising San Jose Sharks (.633) had stronger November performances. With what appears to be an easier schedule ahead, the data suggests the Flames could begin climbing out of the basement sooner rather than later.
Offensive Output: A Slight Uptick
Scoring goals has been a season-long struggle for Calgary, and that fundamental issue wasn't completely solved in November. The team's season average of 2.33 goals per game remains the worst in the NHL. However, there was a marginal improvement last month.
The Flames managed to average 2.47 goals per game throughout November. While this still placed them near the bottom—only six teams scored less—it represented progress. Notably, if their 1-0 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on the final Sunday of the month is excluded, their average for the period jumps to 2.66 goals per game, which would have ranked a more respectable 21st in the league.
Implications for the Tank Narrative
The November resurgence presents a dilemma for the "Team Tank" contingent among Flames fans. The evidence from the month indicates this roster possesses enough competence to win games intermittently, especially against comparable competition. This inherent competitiveness threatens to pull them away from the very bottom of the standings, potentially jeopardizing their odds in the draft lottery.
The upcoming schedule will be critical. If the Flames can sustain even a fraction of their November form against weaker opponents, their position in the standings will likely improve. The battle to avoid last place, once seen as a two-horse race with Nashville, may now involve other struggling teams, making a deliberate tank a more challenging proposition for the organization.
