The Calgary Flames are blazing a trail in the NHL this season, leading the league in max skating speed with an impressive 24.06 mph. This speed edge has come primarily from their forwards, who have consistently maintained high speeds, pushing the Flames to a 6-4 record to start the season. Notably, Calgary outpaces speed-driven teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (23.67 mph) and Dallas Stars (23.65 mph).
However, while the Flames’ forwards are turning heads with their relentless pace, the team’s defense hasn’t kept pace to the same degree. Calgary’s defensemen rank outside the top 10 for sustained speed, though one defenseman managed to hit a burst of over 22 mph. Still, overall, the Flames have relied on their forwards to set the speed standard, keeping the offense dynamic and difficult for opposing defenses to contain.
In other words, the Flames’ overall speed from their forwards seems to be giving slower teams trouble and the Flames an advantage.
Interesting stat here for the Calgary Flames as a group. They don’t have any individual speed demons but they lead the NHL in max speed (mph). Are they one of the league’s fastest teams? pic.twitter.com/V23gOwTUtB
— Jim Parsons (@thejimparsons) November 3, 2024
Interestingly, the Flames don’t just rely on explosive bursts to maintain this league-leading speed; they excel in sustained pace, which has made their speed game a more consistent and integral part of their strategy.
Despite not featuring a single player in the top 10 for the highest bursts (22+ mph or 20+ mph), the Flames’ consistent speed across their forward lines has become a defining characteristic.
Can the Flames Use Their Speed Against the Oilers on Sunday?
As the season unfolds, Calgary’s reliance on speed could be a game-changer. If they keep pushing the pace and playing faster than the opposition, it could be a real weapon for them.
For example, on Sunday, the Flames play one of the older and slower teams in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers used to be lightning-quick, but with the losses of Ryan McLeod, Dylan Holloway, Warren Foegele, and others, they’ve slowed down tremendously. And, without Connor McDavid in the lineup due to an injury, the Flames’ speed against a slower Oilers club could provide them with a unique advantage.
