Flames' schedule to ramp up in major way

As the Flames prep for Tuesday's rematch with the Leafs, here's what we know and what we don't after the first week and a half of the season.

3 THINGS WE KNOW

1. Now, it gets really busy

Sunday's matinee against the Maple Leafs started a stretch of eight games in a 14-day span, the sort of craziness that is commonplace for every team in this condensed schedule. If you check the standings, this upcoming week is especially daunting. The Maple Leafs are tied for first place in the NHL'S North Division at 5-2-0. The Flames will then head to Montreal, where the Canadiens (4-0-2) have yet to lose in regulation.

2. Their power play is popping

The Flames have to be satisfied with their special teams — they have seven power-play goals and surrendered only a pair while short-handed. You've heard every coach say that winning the special teams battle is key to winning the game, so Flames coach Geoff Ward must be encouraged by the statistics from both sides of the ledger. The early-season surge is important because it has helped the Flames' star forwards find their offensive groove.

3. Markstrom matters

Again, it's early, but the Flames must be feeling awfully good about the addition of goalie Jacob Markstrom. What's become obvious already is the 30-year-old Markstrom is always going to give you a chance to win, which is the biggest ask of the guy between the pipes.

3 THINGS WE DON'T

1. Where is Mangiapane's best fit?

It's a major compliment to Andrew Mangiapane that you could argue his presence would make any of Calgary's forward lines better. The 24-year-old is the kind of guy that any coach would like a couple more of, but Ward has just one and must figure out where he'll make the biggest impact.

2. Will Dube lose his momentum?

Dube suffered a lower-body injury, believed to be a groin issue, in Monday's victory over the Canucks and despite the lengthy layoff, was a no-go for Sunday's matinee against the Maple Leafs. It's fair to wonder if he'll lose his momentum while he's on the shelf.

3. When will Rittich get a start?

By all accounts, 27-year-old David Rittich has handled himself well since being relegated to the backup role behind Markstrom. He should be rarin' to go whenever he is tabbed for that first start.