This story is part of ESPN The Magazine's Oct. 12 Owners Issue. Subscribe today!
Calgary Flames
Overall: 56
Title track: 54
Ownership: 30
Coaching: 14
Players: 17
Fan relations: 46
Affordability: 87
Stadium experience: 105
Bang for the buck: 87
Change from last year: +33
The Flames enjoyed a renaissance in 2014-15, defying skeptics not only by making the playoffs but also by winning a round for the first time since 2004. The good news didn't stop there, as Flames general manager Brad Treliving acquired top-four defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the Bruins at the draft, fueling enthusiasm that the Flames are back to stay. That renaissance is reflected in how fans view the team: The Flames jumped a whopping 33 spots in the rankings, from 89 to 56. "Obviously, it was exciting last year," Treliving told ESPN. "Outside of our room, I think there were little or no expectations for our team."
What's good
It's no surprise that the Flames made huge strides in the personnel categories. The players ranking moved up 49 spots to 17th (second best in the NHL), thanks to players like captain Mark Giordano and youngsters Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and T.J. Brodie, who all have captured the hearts and minds of long-suffering Calgary fans. Bob Hartley, the Jack Adams Trophy winner as coach of the year, climbed almost 50 spots and is now the third-highest ranked coach in the NHL. All in all, this is a Flames team that fans have fully embraced.
What's bad
The Flames' worst ranking -- and the only category in which they landed in the triple digits -- was in stadium experience, a reflection of dissatisfaction with the team's aging Saddledome. Last year the Flames were third worst in hockey in the category (114th overall). Their nine-slot climb this year is explained perhaps by some 2013 renovations -- or maybe it's just overeager supporters dreaming of an oft-promised new home. Earlier this year, Flames owners released a plan for a multipurpose sports/entertainment complex, though whether it gets built depends on a significant public funds element to the proposed $890 million plan.
What's new
While the Flames' biggest ratings jumps came in the on-ice categories, the ownership group and fan relations rankings also enjoyed a nice little bump. Some of this might be the residual effect of hiring Brian Burke several years ago as team president, adding a high-profile presence to upper management -- or it simply could be the result of more W's in the standings. Regardless, the Flames climbed 38 places in fan relations and 36 in ownership, both now in the upper-half of all teams. There is a palpable excitement for the future. "There are more expectations that go along with that," Treliving said, "but those are the things you want."
Next: Ottawa Senators | Full rankings