Calgary Flames 2021-22 Predictions, Betting Odds and Season Preview

The Flames missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2018. Does Calgary have what it takes to get back into the postseason in 2022?

Looking Back

Calgary was only four points behind Montreal for the final playoff spot in the North Division, last season. They came into the season looking like one of the strongest teams in Canada, but Flames fans were disappointed, yet again, when the team could not find consistency. Calgary won 15 of 28 home games and struggled on the road, managing only 11 wins. They finished with a 26-27-3 record overall. The Flames played the Under in well over half their contests and only covered the spread 26 times in 56 games.

Calgary Flames Trades / Acquisitions

The biggest news out of Calgary this summer, came at the expansion draft when they lost their captain and No. 1 defenceman, Mark Giordano, to Seattle. GM Brad Treliving tried to soften the blow on the back end by trading for defenceman Nikita Zadorov and adding free agent Erik Gudbranson. Blake Coleman was the biggest signing of the summer though, coming in from Tampa Bay after back-to-back Stanley Cups. Trevor Lewis, Tyler Pitlick and Brad Richardson were also added to fill out the bottom six forward ranks.  Treliving finished his work with the addition of backup goalie Dan Valdar, brought in from Boston.

Calgary Flames 2021-22 NHL Odds

The Pacific is looking like it will be one the weaker division’s in the league and the Flames are currently listed on the NHL futures board at +1200 to finish first, behind Edmonton (+291) and Vegas (-175). Calgary may be fighting for a wild card spot, but a bet on the Flames to make the playoffs at +107, could double your money.

If goaltender Jacob Markstrom has a bounce-back year, he could easily be back in the Vezina conversation.  Markstrom could be a good value pick to bring the Vezina home at +2200. His save percentage last year was a career-worst, but the Flames started Markstrom for 43 of 56 games on a condensed schedule. Markstrom will likely improve his numbers from last season if Vladar can step in and share some of the workload.

Elias Lindholm (+3942) and Johnny Gaudreau (+4930) are both on the board for the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy, after each scored 19 goals last year. This is the final year of Gaudreau’s contract and with a payday on the horizon, he may be more inspired to break out and score 40+ goals.

Calgary Flames 2021-22 Season Prediction

The Flames find themselves in a make-or-break situation this season. With that added pressure, Calgary will end up battling for third in the Pacific and will make the playoffs. The Flames won’t be an offensive squad this year, so stick to playing the under.