Calgary Flames Dichotomy: Fast Road Starts Offset by Sluggish Saddledome Beginnings

Only three teams have scored the opening goal on the road more than Calgary.

The Calgary Flames come out of the gate like a hare on uppers in hostile environments, but start most games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as if each player has indulged in too much home cooking. 

It’s a dichotomy that must frustrate the Flames coaching staff. If I can speak on behalf of the Flames’ faithful, it definitely rubs fans the wrong way. They have scored first in 25 of 53 games, tied for 21st in the league.

Calgary prevailed in 14 of those 25 games, tied for 24th with the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals. Those numbers don’t instill a ton of confidence, accurately reflecting the Flames’ position in the standings. Unfortunately for fans, the Vancouver Canucks sit atop both lists, scoring first 34 times and winning 27.

Start Slow at the Scotiabank Saddledome

The Flames’ sluggish starts are more endemic to the confines of the Scotiabank Saddledome, where they’ve opened the account in 10 of 24 games, the NHL’s second fewest. 

Only the New Jersey Devils, who’ve scored first in five of 26 home games, come out of the gate slower. By those numbers, one must wonder whether the Devils’ entire team is sedated in the locker room before the puck drops at the Prudential Centre.

Calgary has even more trouble closing out games where they score first at home, winning just four of 10. The Devils again bring up the rear, with three victories after potting the first.