Flames Nation - News, Roster, Scores, Schedule
Total reads
64
This week
1
Rank
#313 of 465
Published
657 posts
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Less than 10 games into pro career, Jonathan Castagna is making a big impression
Rookie forward Jonathan Castagna is turning heads early in his pro career. After scoring two goals in his debut with the AHL Calgary Wranglers, he earned an NHL call‑up and debuted on Oct. 8 against Colorado, recording an assist. In just seven games, the former Cornell standout—ECAC’s top defensive forward and first‑team all‑star—has seen his ice time rise to 15:52, earned a spot on the penalty kill, and handled clutch minutes against the defending Stanley Cup champions. Coach Ryan Huska praises his face‑off skill, work ethic and readiness, hinting a long Flames future.
Recap: Wranglers lose lead in the third period and drop game in Ontario
This game was the first of likely multiple matchups between Hunter and Henry Brzustewicz this season for a brew brother battle. Hunter was fired up for this game and looked to get an edge on his little brother after losing to him in junior in a playoff series the last time they played each other….
What’s Going on in the Pacific Division: Golden Knights and Oilers are neck-and-neck for the division lead
Three weeks into the 2026‑27 NHL season, the Pacific Division sees a tight race between the Vegas Golden Knights (division leaders) and the Edmonton Oilers, both poised for the playoffs. The Oilers sit unbeaten in regulation (5‑0‑0 on the road) but struggle at home (1‑1‑1), while the Knights maintain a strong lead. Calgary finally broke a 0‑5‑0 start with wins over Anaheim and Carolina, and Seattle sits third at 5‑3‑1. Meanwhile, the Ducks, Sharks, Kings and Canucks endure losing streaks, with the Canucks dropping seven straight. Upcoming matchups this week could reshape the battle for the final playoff spot.
Flames roster news: Mikael Backlund out day-to-day with upper body injury
The Calgary Flames beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Sunday, but captain Mikael Backlund missed the final minutes after a hit from William Carrier. Backlund is now listed day-to-day with an upper‑body injury, leaving his availability for Thursday’s home game against the Minnesota Wild uncertain. The Flames placed Sam Honzek on IR and recalled AHL center Ben Jones, who practiced with Backlund’s linemates. Backlund, 37, is second in franchise games played and could overtake Jarome Iginla if he stays healthy.
Examining Daily Faceoff’s tier list of Flames who could be traded
Daily Faceoff’s latest tier list flags several Calgary Flames players as likely trade chips before the March 1, 2027 deadline. Second-line centre Morgan Frost, whose two‑year, $4.375 M deal ends this summer, tops the “hottest commodities” list, while shut‑down defenceman Zach Whitecloud (cap hit $2.75 M, free agent after 2027‑28) also draws strong interest. Recent acquisitions Ryan Strome, Maxim Tsyplakov and Joel Hanley sit in the “first‑come, first‑served” pool, as do winger Connor Zary and depth forward Brayden Pachal. Captain Mikael Backlund and star Jonathan Huberdeau are labeled “nothing’s impossible,” reflecting their high cap hits. Prospects Joel Farabee, goalie Devin Cooley and a few others fall into “maybe next year” or “maybe in a few years,” with Jake Middleton the most plausible mid‑term move.
Wranglers Game Day: The first Brzustewicz Brother Battle of their pro careers
The Calgary Wranglers face the Ontario Reign on Oct. 20 in the first professional ‘Brzustewicz brother battle,’ with defensemen Hunter (Calgary) and Henry (Ontario) meeting for the first time since junior hockey. The Wranglers come off a 4‑3 win over Bakersfield (5‑2‑0 record) while the Reign rebound from a 5‑2 loss to Henderson (3‑2‑0). Hunter, eager to avenge a junior series loss, will be without leading scorer Ben Jones, who was called up to the NHL. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. MT, streamed on AHLtv via Flo Hockey, with radio coverage on the Wranglers site.
Flames roster news: Sam Honzek placed on injury reserve, Ben Jones recalled from AHL’s Wranglers
The Calgary Flames place winger Sam Honzek on injury reserve and recall AHL forward Ben Jones as they gear up for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild. Honzek, injured since Oct. 8, is moved to free a roster spot after Mikael Backlund suffered a hit and may miss the matchup. Jones, on a five‑game scoring streak with seven goals in seven AHL games, provides immediate depth. The Flames now have 23 active players, with Honzek and Jonathan Huberdeau on IR, and aim to secure their first home win.
Notes from last game: Devin Cooley steals show in Flames’ 3-2 victory over Hurricanes
The Calgary Flames earn a 3-2 home victory over reigning champions Carolina Hurricanes, marking their first win of the season at the Saddledome. Rookie netminder Devin Cooley shines, posting a 1.79 GAA‑above‑expected and making a crucial breakaway stop, earning first‑star honors. Yegor Sharangovich scores the game‑winner with under five minutes left, while Morgan Frost reaches his 400th NHL game, adding a goal and an assist. Milestones include Matt Coronato’s 200th appearance. The Flames out‑shot the Canes 3.79‑3.53, won more face‑offs and limited penalties, though they went 1‑for‑4 on the power play. The win caps a seven‑game streak and serves as the Hurricanes’ final Saddledome appearance this season.
Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato hit NHL milestones in Hurricanes win
The Calgary Flames upset the defending Stanley Cup champions Carolina Hurricanes 3‑2 on Oct. 19, 2026, while celebrating two player milestones. Morgan Frost marked his 400th NHL game (122 with the Flames) by scoring a tip‑in and assisting the game‑winner, finishing with a goal, an assist and an 80% face‑off success rate. Matt Coronato reached his 200th NHL appearance, adding a primary assist on Matvei Gridin’s first‑period goal. The win snapped Carolina’s seven‑game streak and gives the Flames momentum heading into their next matchup against the Minnesota Wild.
Wranglers forward Ben Jones just might be the Flames’ first man up
Calgary Wranglers forward Ben Jones is emerging as a top candidate for an early call‑up to the Flames. He opened the 2026‑27 AHL season with a goal in his first game and has now tallied seven goals and two assists in seven outings, including three multi‑point nights and a shorthanded strike. Jones, who previously logged NHL time with the Minnesota Wild and scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 10, 2026, brings speed, shot precision and familiarity with the Flames system. His early production could push him ahead of veteran depth option Dryden Hunt for the Flames’ first man‑up this year.
Hunter Brzustewicz reflects on off-season, pre-season and the road ahead with the Wranglers
Calgary Wranglers defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz reflects on a turbulent off‑season that saw him cut from the Flames camp and reassigned to the AHL after splitting last year between the NHL and AHL. He admits he isn’t ready for a full‑time NHL role yet, but praises his summer progress and emphasizes the importance of chemistry with new pairing partners like Mike Benning and Jake Livingstone. In seven Wranglers games he’s tallied a goal (an empty‑netter), four assists, a +2 rating and two shots per game, while taking top‑pairing and power‑play minutes. He also looks forward to facing his brother Henry, a Los Angeles Reign defenseman, in the upcoming Tuesday matchup.
Monday Mailbag: Talking early season results, attendance and more!
The Flames clinched their first home victory of the season Sunday, beating the Carolina Hurricanes, and gear up for a Thursday showdown with the Minnesota Wild. In this Monday Mailbag, fans ask about honoring the inaugural Saddledome game players, alumni involvement in the 2004 tribute nights, and attendance trends. Contributors note standout rookie defensemen Kevin Bahl and Simon Nemec, praise low ticket prices (24th‑lowest in the league), and applaud the team’s transparency on its youth‑first rebuild and Saddledome farewell celebrations. The discussion also touches on player development priorities over wins, with mixed opinions on forward Huska’s future.
Beyond the Boxscore: Flames survive Hurricanes relentless forecheck to win game 3-2
The Calgary Flames snap their home losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on October 19, 2026. After surviving a relentless Hurricanes forecheck, the Flames capitalized on a third‑period fast break when Yegor Sharangovich scored the game‑winner, finishing with six shots on net. Mikael Backlund drove neutral‑zone possession (52.19% CF%), while Kevin Bahl (49.25% CF%) anchored the defense. Matt Coronato contributed across the board (37.13% SCF%, 34.32% HDCF%), and Morgan Frost paired well with Sharangovich. Goalie Deevin Cooley posted a strong 1.67 goals‑saved‑above‑expected, helping Calgary hold off Carolina’s five post hits.
Three crucial minutes for Flames led to big victory over Carolina
On Oct. 19, the Calgary Flames turned a three‑minute defensive slog against the Carolina Hurricanes into a game‑winning moment, edging the defending Stanley Cup champs 3‑2. After surviving sustained pressure, the Flames cleared the zone and Matvei Gridin ripped a shot off the post into the net with 1:30 left in the second period, tying the game before a power‑play goal secured the lead. Coach Ryan Huska praised the endurance of defensemen Zach Whitecloud and Yan Kuznetsov, whose marathon shifts shifted momentum. The win follows a 7‑3 loss to Colorado, showing the Flames’ growing resilience.
Instant Reaction: Flames weather the Hurricanes for first home win of season
The Calgary Flames snap their home‑win drought with a gritty 3‑2 victory over defending champion Carolina Hurricanes on October 19, 2026. After a scoreless first period, Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi opens the scoring at 13:51 of the second, but Matvei Gridin equalizes 1:30 later. Morgan Frost then nets the go‑ahead power‑play goal at 00:21 of the second, only for Jalen Chatfield to tie it with 4 seconds left. In the third, Frost fuels a rush that finds Yegor Sharangovich, who scores with 4:28 remaining to secure the win. Goalies Devin Cooley (Flames) and Brandon Bussi (Hurricanes) see heavy action, with Cooley’s late rebound saves proving crucial.
Notes from last game: There weren’t a lot of bright spots in the Flames’ 6-2 loss to the Golden Knights
All the positives from the two games against the Anaheim Ducks have disappeared. Thursday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights wasn’t great for the Calgary Flames, falling 6-2 to move their season record to 1-6-0. We knew this season was going to be a tough one, but this was a stinker, even in a rebuild….
Flames Game Day 8: The champs are here (6pm MT, SNW)
After a short road trip that saw them win once and lose once, the Calgary Flames (1-6-0, 2 points) are back at home and back in action! They face their first Eastern Conference foe of the season, and it’s a doozy: the reigning, defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes (7-1-1, 15 points). The ‘Canes are playing…
The Flames’ fourth line is quietly, effectively going about their business
Friends, from time to time, when you’re covering a team and writing and saying many things, on occasion you will write or say things that don’t age well. Well, seven games into the 2026-27 season, allow me to eat a little crow. I was probably too harsh on the Calgary Flames’ fourth line prior to…
Recap: Wranglers special teams explodes against Condors, going four for five in 4-3 win
The Calgary Wranglers wrapped up their week of hockey with a one game stop in Bakersfield to face the Condors on Saturday night. It was the Condors’ home opener and their first game since splitting the series with the Wranglers last weekend. Bakersfield did start on their heels a little bit and Calgary took advantage…
Scenes from Flames practice: A couple new lines and pairings, and new goalie gear for Dustin Wolf
After a travel day back from Las Vegas on Friday, the Calgary Flames returned to the Scotiabank Saddledome for practice on Saturday morning as they prepare to host the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday evening. Here’s what we saw at the rink. Slightly different lines and pairings The Flames had 23 players…
Wranglers game day: Calgary looks to take lead in season series against Bakersfield
The Calgary Wranglers play their third game of the week on the road with a stop in Bakersfield to face the Condors. They’re facing a much fresher team as the Condors haven’t played since their series in Calgary last weekend. The Wranglers on the other hand, are on a back to back after falling 5-4…
Should Darryl Sutter be in the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Folks, former Calgary Flames head coach and general manager Darryl Sutter released a book this past week, which he wrote with Justin Bourne. After we chatted with Sutter about his book and his coaching career, we spent some time pondering his legacy in the game. He’s the only full-time coach in Flames history to have…
Recap: Ben Jones had another two goal game but Wranglers fall by one in San Jose
The Calgary Wranglers were in another scoring battle against the San Jose Barracuda on Friday night after going back and forth in their last match-up on Wednesday. Calgary pulled away with a 6-4 win due to a goal in the last minute and an empty netter to seal it. In this game, these teams kept…
Flashback Friday: Looking at the fallout from the Flames’ most recent trade with the Hurricanes
On Thursday evening, Jake Middleton became the first Calgary Flames defenceman to score their first goal for the team on a penalty kill since Noah Hanifin back in 2018. What’s funny is that goal came against Hanifin’s current team, the Vegas Golden Knights. The Flames shipped him to their Pacific Division rivals ahead of the…
Theo Stockselius and Flames’ college kids shined this past week
Friends, it’s no big secret that it’s a tough time for the Calgary Flames right now. Through seven games in the 2026-27 season, they have one win. But if you take a look into the future – the near future – there’s help on the way. The entry-level system will most likely see (at least) six…