Season Outlook: Can Flames once again make playoffs in tough Western Conference?

Last year was a Cinderella season for the Flames. No one had them going anywhere but down but they proved everyone wrong.

Their coach won the Jack Adams and if not for a serious injury, they might have had the Norris Trophy winner as well.

The Flames never say die attitude was what surprised most. The Flames could be down 3-1 but you never felt they were really out of it. They always found ways to come back. This season, if the Flames want to once again make it to the playoffs, they are going to need much of the same. Dougie Hamilton was added to bolster their already dangerous defensive core which was one of the best offensive D units in the league.They also added Frolik to add some depth. Hudler had a career year and their top line of Hudler/Monahan/Gaudreau were 1-2-3 in points to lead the team and will only get better. We will need Hudler to be as constant but with an extra year of experience, Gaudreau and Monahan should be even more dangerous. Sam Bennett showed us flashes of his talent in the playoffs and Micheal Ferland showed he can get under anyones skin, right Kevin Bieksa?

So it once again won't be easy, but considering the Flames were suppose to be rebuilding, there are off to one heck of a start. The future is bright in Calgary.