$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the Calgary Flames\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the Calgary Flames' Early-Season Action

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things We've Learned From the Calgary Flames' Early-Season Action

Flames fans — The Calgary Flames finished last season with 97 points and were the surprise team when looking at the final standings. They made it to the conference semifinals in five games, before bowing out against the Anaheim Ducks. They were hoping to continue the success from last year's playoff run, but the Flames only have one win in their first six games. The franchise clearly has issues in the first month of the 2015-16 NHL season.

5. Plus/Minus Numbers Must Improve

Matt Stajan Calgary Flames

5. Plus/Minus Numbers Must Improve

Matt Stajan Calgary Flames — With the exception of Sam Bennett and Matt Stajan, the entire roster is on the negative side of the plus/minus ledger. That has to improve significantly if they have any plans to get out of the cellar of the Pacific Division. The next 76 games have to improve, as after the first six games they only have two points. There's no question that this has to improve.

4. Inconsistent Goaltending Has Been Problematic

Calgary Flames goalies

4. Inconsistent Goaltending Has Been Problematic

Calgary Flames goalies — Six games into the new season and the duo of Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller has given up 25 goals, with 11 of those in the past two games. They placed Ramo on waivers but nobody claimed him. They have Joni Ortio waiting in the wings to occupy Ramo's spot on the roster after being sent down. The Western Conference is very competitive and giving up that many goals so early into the season spells disaster for the Flames.

3. Edmonton Oilers Passing Them In The Battle of Alberta

Flames - Oilers

3. Edmonton Oilers Passing Them In The Battle of Alberta

Flames - Oilers — Both of the Alberta franchises are in the middle of their rebuild and always in constant battle with their provincial NHL brothers for attention among the Canadian hockey fans. At least early on in the season, the Edmonton Oilers seem to be showing signs of improvement while the Flames are struggling to get started. This may signal a shift in the balance of power.

2. GM Brad Treliving Working the Phones

Brad Treliving

2. GM Brad Treliving Working the Phones

Brad Treliving — According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, his sources are suggesting that the GM of the Flames is working the phones trying to shake up the core of this roster. One name that is being discussed in rumors is Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos. It will cost the Flames a lot, but adding Stamkos and having him in Canada would be a definite draw to the fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

1. Steve Stamkos Rumor Influenced By Brian Burke

Treliving-Burke, Calgary Flames

1. Steve Stamkos Rumor Influenced By Brian Burke

Treliving-Burke, Calgary Flames — When Flames president Brian Burke was the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he insisted that he was going to fix the floundering hockey team. In September of 2013, he joined the Flames in the president role and has shown to be very impulsive and wanting quick fixes to the organizations he's been associated with. This potential Stamkos trade to Calgary seems to be rushed by Burke and putting pressure on Treliving to win and succeed.

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Calgary Flames

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