When a team starts the year with the worst record in the NHL, it’s easy to think things have gone off the rails because of the standings. But in Calgary’s case, that misses the point. The problem isn’t that the Flames managed just six points through their first 12 games. It’s that almost none of their key young players are showing any signs of progress. This was never supposed to be a season about contention. Even before the puck dropped, the Flames weren’t considered anything more than a long-shot playoff hopeful. They were, at best, a modest bet to sneak into the postseason and a distant one to do any damage if they got there. In truth, a poor record was always within the probable range of outcomes. If the team ends up near the bottom of the league, they will enjoy the silver lin

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