Twenty games in, the Calgary Flames have been the NHL’s worst team this fall. Article content

That stuck-in-the-cellar status has been cheered by many fans, with a growing majority ready to trade short-term pain for long-term gain, but it should be noted that this hasn’t always been the best omen. Article content Article content

Dating back to 2013, when the draft lottery was adjusted so every playoff outsider would have a crack at No. 1, the squad that was running last after 20 dates has only once scored the first-overall selection.

We’re not aiming to dampen the mood of Team Tank, only to remind that a stinky start doesn’t guarantee anything. Maybe don’t order that Gavin McKenna jersey just yet.

As the Flames sputter along at 5-12-3, here’s a history lesson on other teams that

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