Can the Flames continue being above average on the penalty kill?

The Calgary Flames opened the 2026–27 preseason with a 4–2 loss to the Seattle Kraken at the Saddledome. Aydar Suniev scored twice for Calgary, but the Kraken capitalized by scoring two power-play goals alongside an even-strength tally and an empty-net goal. The preseason defeat highlighted potential concerns for Calgary's penalty kill entering the new season.

Historically, Calgary has maintained an above-average penalty kill in most seasons since 2021–22, finishing at 80.4% last season. The upcoming penalty-kill rotation is projected to feature defensemen Jacob Middleton, Zach Whitecloud, Yan Kuznetsov, and Kevin Bahl, alongside forwards Mikael Backlund, Joel Farabee, Yegor Sharangovich, and Jonathan Huberdeau.