Flames' Chemistry Struggles & Fourth-Line Success
Welcome to the THW Calgary Flames Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Flames writers.
In today’s edition, we have an article discussing Nikita Zadorov’s recent comments about the locker room, struggling Flames who need to step up, and more.
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Flames Locker Room Seems Divided Given Zadorov’s Comments
October 24, 2023 by Rupert McDonald
Who said removing Darryl Sutter as head coach would remove all the drama surrounding the Calgary Flames? While things were admittedly much quieter around the team throughout training camp, Russian defenceman Nikita Zadorov had some extremely interesting comments on Tuesday morning where he seemed to call out several within the Flames dressing room.
Zadorov’s comments come at a time when the Flames find themselves on a two-game losing streak and having won just one of their last five games. Clearly, some frustration is beginning to build, and according to Zadorov, it has to do with several playing as individuals rather than as a team.
4 Flames Who Must Step Up Right Now
October 24, 2023 by Ryan Gagne
The Calgary Flames have struggled to start the 2023-24 NHL season. Ahead of the Heritage Classic on October 29, the Flames will play against the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues before leaving for a matchup with the Dallas Stars on November 1, before taking on the Seattle Kraken at home on November 4. Even though everyone is saying “it’s early,” this next stretch of games could make or break the Flames’ momentum heading into a competitive November schedule. So, keeping in mind the importance of upcoming games, here’s a list of players who must step up right now.
Flames’ Fourth Line Showing High Rate of Effectiveness
October 24, 2023 by Derek Olsen
It is getting later into October, and the NHL season is still in its early stages, with each team having gone through at least four games. The Calgary Flames, however, have played six as of this writing and currently sport a record of 2-3-1. The organization is optimistic that there will not be a repeat of last season, when the team missed the playoffs after going 38-27-17. There are undoubtedly multiple concerns with the squad, but many aspects worthy of recognition as well. Namely among them is the immensely positive performance of the new-look fourth line, composed of Yegor Sharangovich centering Walker Duehr and A.J. Greer. They have been dubbed the “WAY” line (Walker, A.J., Yegor).
The 25-year-old Duehr was an undrafted Flames signing who debuted last season, while the other two men are more recent additions. Sharangovich was the primary piece coming from the New Jersey Devils in return for Tyler Toffoli this offseason. Greer, on the other hand, was a waiver wire pickup from the Boston Bruins shortly before the Flames’ season opener against the Winnipeg Jets. Together, they create a formidable group that has been among the most successful for the Flames thus far. Let’s have a look at just how good the line has been, as well as what makes them so outstanding.