Silver linings for the Calgary Flames after slow start to season

Oct 11, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (28) celebrates his goal with left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (28) celebrates his goal with left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Pacific Division isn’t running away and the Edmonton Oilers haven’t looked any better than the Flames

It’s early in the season, so even if there were large gaps between the Flames and a top-three spot, closing them would be fathomable. But in reality, there’s barely any ground to make up (with the exception of catching the division-leading perfect-record Vegas Golden Knights). The 3-2-0 Canucks hold the second spot with one more point than the Flames, and the Los Angeles Kings are in third with the same number of points as Calgary (ahead based on points percentage).

Even with a less-than-ideal beginning to the season, the Flames are in the Pacific Division mix.

Pacific Division top five standings

Oh — I almost forgot — the Oilers, Cup favourites in the minds of many, are 1-3-1, two points behind Calgary with a game in hand.

The Flames and Oilers are set for an outdoor matchup this weekend at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The Heritage Classic is set to go at 5:00pm Mountain Time on Sunday, the 29th of October.