Silver linings for the Calgary Flames after slow start to season

Yes, there are immediate and colossal long-term questions that need to be answered when it comes to the Calgary Flames. Yes, Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri have been underwhelming through a handful of games. And yes, Dan Vladar’s trade value may be taking a hit, meaning that waiving the backup goaltender might be a more realistic avenue to getting Dustin Wolf into NHL games. But, despite the all-too-familiar feeling of perpetual mediocrity, there are some positives Flames fans can take away at this juncture. Perhaps writing this article is a coping mechanism for me (as reading it may be for you), but it’s important to take a peek at the silver linings from time to time (even if only to maintain one’s sanity).

In the spirit of positivity, let’s get into it with our first Calgary Flames silver lining:

Alternatively, if you’d like to jump to specific silver linings, here’s the list (hit the link to jump to the corresponding slide):

• The Flames’ penalty kill has been dynamite
• Elias Lindholm is playing solid two-way hockey
• Jacob Markstrom has been much better than he was last season
• Andrew Mangiapane: a bright spot on and off the ice
• The new-look fourth line featuring Yegor Sharangovich is way better than a slow old fourth line featuring Milan Lucic and Trevor Lewis
• The Calgary Flames have a captain
• If the season begins to spiral, Conroy’s patience with the UFA contracts could be an asset
• Young players are in the lineup and more will get the chance

(NOTE: Advanced analytics metrics throughout this article were sourced from MoneyPuck and Natural Stat Trick)