 The "Calgary Sun" sports writers predicted finishes between 27th and 29th overall in the 30-team NHL, while the "Calgary Herald" writers predicted finishes between 12th and 14th place in the 14-team Western Conference.Nationally, "The Hockey News" predicted the team would finish seventh, and last, in the Pacific Division.In spite of the predictions, the Flames' rebuilding efforts were viewed positively by all three publications, particularly after Head Coach Bob Hartley built the team into one with a reputation of being a hard working club that consistently forced their opposition to earn wins.