Flames' Gulutzan: Our goal is to be a 100-point team in 2017-18

The Calgary Flames believe they can be part of the century club.

That's the goal for second-year head coach Glen Gulutzan, who in speaking with Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun was clear in setting this season's benchmark: 100 points.

"We weren't a 5-10-1 team to start last year, and we weren't a 16-5 team to end. We finished with 94 points," Gulutzan said. "I think, realistically, we can do better than that. But to make a jump from 77 to 94 to 118 isn't realistic. So we have to manage that expectation. Our goal is we think we could be a 100-point club."

As Gulutzan alludes, while the Flames saw a slow start to last season, they were one of the hottest teams through the stretch drive, only to flicker out in a four-game playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks.

That led to some offseason tweaks, particularly in goal, where the Flames swapped out Brian Elliott and Chad Johnson for new recruits Mike Smith and Eddie Lack.

Gulutzan believes the two new goaltenders will be big factors in Calgary's climb up the standings.

"The thing that gives me the most optimism is the way we've solidified our defensive core, along with our goaltending," Gulutzan added. "I like the tandem that we have, the size of the goalies and their character and their play."

Should the Flames crack the 100-point barrier, it will be their first time doing so since 2005-06, and just the second in more than 25 seasons.

The drive to the century mark begins Oct. 4, when the first two points will be up for grabs against the rival Edmonton Oilers.

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