Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary has openly criticized his own performance this season, marking a notable moment of self-reflection. Zary has not scored a goal since the opening night of the season, a situation that has left him feeling frustrated. He has been shuffled between center and wing, playing on all four forward lines, which has led to speculation among fans about the coaching staff's role in his struggles.

In a recent interview, Zary took responsibility for his performance. "There’s not much sugarcoating, right? There’s really not much to say — it’s just play better," he stated. He acknowledged the challenges of switching positions and trying to build chemistry with different teammates. However, he emphasized that consistent poor performance cannot be excused. "You can’t be sh—y every night and expect to be good," he added.

The Flames have faced difficulties this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings with a record of 5-12-2 as they prepare for a home game against the Winnipeg Jets. Despite a recent 2-0 victory, the team has struggled to find its footing since October 22.

Zary, 24, has only one goal and one assist this season, along with two games as a healthy scratch. His points-per-60 minutes, a statistic that measures offensive impact, ranks last among Flames forwards at 0.32. "You try to be good with your details, be good with the little things," Zary explained. "But at the end of the day, you come off and you see zeroes across the scoresheet, it’s tough, right?" He noted that the lack of scoring can lead to overthinking and frustration.

As he arrives at the rink each day, Zary faces uncertainty about his position in the lineup. Recently, he has been placed on the fourth line, logging more minutes with teammates Ryan Lomberg and Adam Klapka than with other forwards. Flames head coach Ryan Huska emphasizes pace, and Zary's average ice time has dropped by more than two minutes compared to his career average.

NHL Edge data shows that Zary's top skating speed this season is 20.55 mph, the slowest among the Flames' active forwards. In contrast, his peak speed last season was 22.01 mph, prior to suffering two knee injuries. This raises questions about whether those injuries are still affecting his performance.

Zary is often mentioned as a key player for the Flames' future, but concerns are growing about his long-term fit with the team. Some fans worry he may follow a path similar to former player Sam Bennett, who struggled in Calgary but found success elsewhere. Zary remains hopeful that he can overcome his current slump and prove his value to the team.

"As a competitor, I think I know how good I am as a player and how much skill I have and how much I can do out there," Zary said. He expressed frustration at not being able to showcase his abilities, stating, "It’s really frustrating, especially when you know you have that potential." Zary is determined to work through this challenging period and contribute positively to the Flames' success.