The Calgary Flames start a new season with an overhauled roster from the one that started last season. They’ve set a new direction for the franchise and are in the midst of a rebuild. Despite the fact they are not likely a playoff team, there are still plenty of games worth watching for a number of reasons. Here’s a list of games worth tuning in for during the first half of the Flames campaign.
First Half Flames Games You’ll Want to Watch This Season
October 2nd – Winnipeg Jets – Away
This Flames begin their new season on the road in Winnipeg. It’s a fresh start and even with low expectations the season always starts with excitement and optimism. Flames fans may be watching for any number of reasons. They may be checking in on the progress of sophomores Connor Zary & Martin Pospisil, or watching to see how Dustin Wolf looks as a starting goaltender. Whatever the reason the first game of every new season is always exciting.
October 13th – Edmonton Oilers – Away
The first Battle of Alberta goes down in Edmonton early in the new season. Although the Flames and Oilers enter the season with massively different expectations, the Battle of Alberta is still usually worth a watch. The Flames should be locked in against their provincial rivals and an upset against a team with Stanley Cup aspirations would be a big win. As fans of hockey, you also get the benefit of watching the best player in the world, even if he wears the wrong colours.
October 22nd – Pittsburgh Penguins – Home
As far as Flames games worth seeing in person, this one should be right up there. Sidney Crosby is coming off a 42-goal, 94-point season at age 36. It doesn’t feel like it right now, but at some point, Sid the Kid will start to slow down. As Flames fans we only get one opportunity a year to see Crosby in person. As he continues to age the chances to see one of the greatest to ever lace them up in person get fewer and fewer. Seeing Crosby while he’s still playing elite hockey will be worth the trip to the Saddledome.
October 15th – Chicago Blackhawks – Home
From one incredible player to another. Unlike Crosby, Connor Bedard is just getting started in the NHL. He put together an impressive rookie campaign last season and is looking to build off it this year. His offensive skills are must see, and any fan of the game should want to watch him any chance they get.
October 30th – Utah Hockey Club – Away
Although Utah isn’t an expansion team, the move from Arizona provides an opportunity for many firsts. This will be Flames fan’s first chance to see Utah play their team. It will be a first look at Utah’s jerseys, Utah’s arena, and their fans. The excitement of something new is always a good reason to tune in. The fact they are conference rivals is another reason to get familiar.
November 1st – New Jersey Devils – Home
The return of Jacob Markstrom to Calgary. The Flames franchise netminder was traded to the New Jersey Devils back in June. This game marks two important events. Firstly, it’s an opportunity for fans to acknowledge and thank Markstrom for his time in Calgary. He served as the starting goaltender for the Flames for four seasons before his departure. Secondly, this will be an exciting time for fans to look to the feature as new starter and heir apparent Dustin Wolf faces off against their former netminder.
November 3rd – Edmonton Oilers – Home
The second installment of the Battle of Alberta takes place in Calgary. Much like the first matchup, a game against your biggest rival is always worth a watch. Even if your team seems outmatched, as Calgary will, it’s one where you usually get a great effort. In a season where fans might find it difficult to go see the team live, this is a Flames game Calgary fans should want to show their support, if for no other reason than to make sure the arena doesn’t have more Oilers than Flames supporters.
January 28th – Washington Capitals – Home
Much like when the Penguins come to town in October, this marks an opportunity for hockey fans in Calgary to see a legend before it’s too late. Alex Ovechkin is arguably the greatest goal scorer in the history of the sport. The 38-year-old needs to score 54 more goals to catch Wayne Gretzky‘s record of 894 goals. Coming off a 31-goal season, Ovechkin likely won’t be passing the record when he arrives in Calgary, but this will surely be one of the last chances for Flames fans to see him play in person. An opportunity to see an all-time great shouldn’t be passed on.
February 4th – Toronto Maple Leafs – Home
As we all know the Leafs have a massive fan base. One that extends all the way to Alberta. With many Leafs fans in Calgary, the arena is always buzzing when Toronto comes to town. This usually makes for a fun atmosphere and a good game on the ice. In addition to the fanbase of Toronto, there are other good reasons to watch this game. Toronto fans are lucky enough to watch a talented offensive lineup each night. One that includes Auston Matthews, the best pure goal-scorer in the league right now. This game gives fans in Calgary a chance to see Matthews and the Toronto offensive up close.
This game will also mark Chris Tanev‘s return. Tanev spent four seasons in Calgary. During that time he was a steadying force, that helped the progression of many Flames defencemen. He played through injuries and left it all on the ice every night, blocking shots and battling all over the ice. Flames fans will want to thank him for his efforts and a tribute video is surely on tap.
Mid-season break
From February 12-20, 2025 the NHL will be hosting an international tournament called the Four Nations Face-Off. This will serve as the mid-season break before teams regroup for the second half of the year. At this time we will look ahead at the remaining games on the Flames schedule worth watching the rest of the way.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
