Three games into the season, the Calgary Flames are already facing tough questions, as they sit at the bottom of the NHL standings
The Flames are 0-3 to start the year and have been outscored 16-3, leaving some fans wondering how much patience they have left for the club’s rebuilding process.
“I think our rebuild is way worse than I was expecting,” said Flames fan Henry Eckscrand. “I don’t know, losing to Vancouver is not a good look”
Frustration has also surfaced online, where some fans have called for head coach Ryan Huska to be fired. However, Sportsnet senior columnist Eric Francis said the larger concern is not the team’s record but its effort level.
“What’s surprising is that the work ethic, the hallmark of this organization, hasn’t been quite where it needs to be obviously,” Francis said.
Still, Francis said difficult stretches like this were always expected as part of the team’s long-term plan.
“Everyone needs to be reminded at times like this when it does really look bleak, this is a rebuild, this is going to be painful at times and this is a very painful moment for everyone involved,” he said.
Not all fans are discouraged by the early struggles.
Jeremy Deolart said rebuilding is a necessary step for long-term success and believes younger players need time to develop.
“A lot of teams go through this in the NHL,” Deolart said. “You got to go out with the old and in with the new and some of these younger players haven’t had the experience and they need to gain that to get better.”
Others continue to back Huska despite the disappointing start.
“I feel like the start for the Flames is always kinda rough, but no matter what they’re going through they can kinda build it back with Huska on the bench,” said fan Ben Fairhead. “He’s a pretty good coach.”
The Flames will have a chance to earn their first win of the season on Thursday night when they host the Colorado Avalanche at the Saddledome.
Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) reacts after giving up a goal to Seattle Kraken center Bobby McMann (74) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
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