First I want to acknowledge Devin Cooley's performance from the game against the Utah Mammoth, he was simply sensational and the only reason the game was as close as it was. Outstanding performance in a 3-1 loss. Unfortunately, that was the only good that happened. If you don't include the penalty killing which has also been superb of late.
The Flames have alot of issues that need to be addressed, having five games in eight nights, with four of them being home openers, is no longer an excuse. The Flames have to turn this thing around before it spirals too far out of control.
The identity of the Calgary Flames
Forecheck, forecheck, forecheck. That's the Flames identity and has been since Flames head coach Ryan Huska took control of the team. That part of their game has been good in spots, and completely lackluster and non-existent in others. The times when the forecheck has been present the Flames have looked good, forcing turnovers under pressure and getting scoring opportunities off of those moments.
When they haven't, it's been one of the worst times the Flames have had. They must get back to playing that way. Without a couple of pure goal scorers on the team the only way the Flames will generate chances is by playing hard and physical hockey, and getting some lucky bounces.
In the neutral zone the Flames have issues on zone entries, for that they have to use their speed, or dump and chase and (you know where I'm going by now) forecheck. The fancy passing and plays haven't been successful, leading to turnovers and odd man rushes the other way. Pucks in deep may be a cliche, but for the Flames it's a requirement.
The power play is the same story, they need to simplify the zone entry and have to come in with speed to force the PK back so they can set up properly. Most importantly is getting shots through from the point with traffic in front.
If the Flames can fix all of these things, they will start winning. But they need to fix them fast, these early season points are just as important as points in May, and right now the Flames aren't getting any.