Listen to “Calgary’s Christmas Wishes – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 222” on Spreaker.
— EPISODE 222 —
In this Christmas-themed episode of Flames Unfiltered, hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis delve into an assortment of topics surrounding the Calgary Flames and the wider hockey world. Reflecting on the holiday spirit, the episode captures lighthearted anecdotes about hockey, intriguing discussions on player performances, and strategic insights into upcoming games. Amid the holiday cheer, the hosts examine the dynamics of the Flames’ recent matches and what lies ahead for the team.
The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the Calgary Flames’ performance against giants like the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators. Brad and Kyle highlight key moments from these games, expressing frustration over blown leads and individual player missteps. The conversation also touches on coaching dynamics, with a focus on Brad Larson’s health-related departure and Trent Cull’s interim appointment as the head coach of the AHL Wranglers. Throughout the discussion, the hosts sprinkle humor and personal stories, preserving a balance between technical hockey analysis and entertaining storytelling.
The Flames struggled to maintain leads in recent games, notably against the Boston Bruins, showcasing defensive vulnerabilities.
Jonathan Huberdeau’s recent performance surge might signal a pivotal turnaround in his form, injecting optimism for the Flames.
Discussions centered around the strategic implications of trading Nazem Kadri for long-term team benefits due to his notable, yet inconsistent performances.
Highlighted the necessity for proactive roster management, especially concerning upcoming RFA renewals and player placement, like Jakob Pelletier.
Addressed larger NHL issues, including NHL player suspension policies, with a case study on Matt Rempe’s current behavioral challenges on the ice.
“I remember a few years ago, we were warming up… I had very little control over my shot, and I like to think I have more now.” – Kyle Lewis
“I love hearing good, positive things about the pod. Try to do the best job we can. You know, it’s kind of the goal.” – Brad Burud
“He is the one defenseman, outside of Cale Makar, that I would take if somebody said, alright, you’re starting an NHL team.” – Brad Burud
“There’s nothing more exciting than playoff hockey. And there’s nothing more exciting than playoff hockey than when your team is in it.” – Kyle Lewis
“I don’t know… I really don’t want to see it come to that because I love his personality and… he was so much fun to watch last year.” – Kyle Lewis on Kuzmenko
Tune in to the full episode to bask in the festive atmosphere of Flames Unfiltered and gain deeper insights into the Calgary Flames’ strategies, player performances, and much more. Stay connected for more episodes packed with knowledgeable hockey talk and captivating discussions. Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat!
Brad Burud is a seasoned hockey enthusiast and co-host of the Flames Unfiltered podcast. With years of experience in sports broadcasting, Brad brings an unfiltered perspective to the world of professional hockey, especially focusing on the Calgary Flames. His expertise is complemented by his attendance at various hockey events, which adds depth to his commentary and analysis.
Kyle Lewis is Brad’s co-host on the Flames Unfiltered podcast. Known for his insightful analysis and passion for hockey, Kyle provides detailed insights into game strategies and player performances. His dynamic commentary style and his personal experience as an amateur hockey player enrich the podcast’s discussions.
Key Takeaways
The intersection of personal experiences and professional commitments during the holiday season is a central theme explored by Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis. As they exchange festive greetings and recount holiday dilemmas—such as last-minute shopping and family stresses—the hosts inadvertently draw parallels to how these pressures manifest in their professional and hockey-related contexts.
Lewis humorously notes his indulgence in holiday excesses, highlighting how personal stressors can mirror the struggles teams face in achieving balance during peak seasons. “I’m stressed out like it’s the holidays. I’m eating a bunch of garbage like it’s the holidays,” he quips. For the Calgary Flames, navigating the demands of an intense NHL schedule while keeping player morale and performance high are akin to handling personal holiday stress. The hosts’ candid discussion of their own holiday experiences serves as a relatable metaphor for the challenges faced by professional athletes.
Beyond the metaphoric parallels, the holiday break offers the Flames a crucial respite. With five full days away from the rink, the team is granted an opportunity to reset mentally and physically. As Burud states, “Flames are on a five, our six-day break. Five days away from the rink. I looked at their schedule and I’ll tell you what, it’s an extended break that most teams aren’t getting.” This interesting insight underscores the significance of rest and recovery in optimizing team performance.
A significant portion of the dialogue centers on Jonathan Huberdeau’s rising performance and Nazem Kadri’s ongoing struggles. Huberdeau, despite a rocky beginning, seems to have turned a corner, exhibiting promising signs of consistency. “Did we finally have Jonathan Huberdeau?” Burud enthuses, indicating a sense of optimism about the player’s resurgence. Lewis acknowledges this shift, noting Huberdeau’s recent point pace, “I think he might have finally turned the corner. His point pace over a full season of, like, his more recent play, prorated since the December, whatever it was, is like 85 points his last 10 games.”
Conversely, Kadri’s scenario presents a series of complexities. His performance, described as a rollercoaster of potential and pitfalls, raises questions about his long-term fit within the team. Burud points out a critical turning point, suggesting, “Now is the time to figure out a way and a path to trading.” The hosts debate the merits of maintaining a seasoned veteran versus ushering in younger prospects, reflecting broader NHL challenges in managing talent with foresight and strategic depth.
This conversation about player dynamics extends to discussions of contracts. As Burud and Lewis analyze the implications of re-signing or releasing players like Jakob Pelletier, they underscore the importance of synchronizing player development with organizational goals. “If this continues, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a mutual termination of the contract, unconditional waivers,” Lewis conjectures about another poorly performing player. The dialogue reveals the often precarious nature of player retention and development at the professional level.
Burud and Lewis delve into strategic management considerations, particularly focusing on player contracts and potential trades as pathways to achieving a balanced, competitive roster. The discussion over Kadri’s future role and contract exemplifies the broader challenges faced by the Flames’ management. With Kadri’s significant cap hit and age, Burud suggests the current period as ideal for trade considerations, balancing immediate team needs against future prospects.
This exploration extends into the economics of hankindling team aspirations with fiscal realities, particularly impactful during the intense NHL trade discussions. “It’s a contract that was never going to be beneficial to the team, no matter how well he performed,” Lewis reflects on Kadri’s extensive contract, casting a spotlight on the balancing act of signing impactful players without encumbering the team’s financial flexibility.
Further, as the conversation shifts towards younger players like Coronado and Pelletier, Burud and Lewis illustrate the strategic imperative of integrating young talent. These players, with relatively modest contracts and high potential upside, exemplify the delicate balance teams must strike between current competitive prowess and future growth potential. Lewis reflects this, sharing, “His peak, I think, is… a 2020 guy, which is a pretty big ask,” acknowledging the hope and risk involved in nurturing young talents.
Through these discussions, the podcast reveals the inherently complex and multifaceted nature of managing a hockey team. As organizations navigate player contracts, trades, and development strategies, the Flames face distinct challenges in aligning team objectives with both fiscal and competitive goals. Beyond individual games and performances, these conversations provide a glimpse into the broader management strategies that shape the team’s future.
Engaging deeply with the Calgary Flames’ lineup and strategy, Burud and Lewis encapsulate the nuanced nature of hockey management, seamlessly transitioning from conversations about players to the strategic frameworks guiding team decisions. As the team moves forward, the insights shared by “Flames Unfiltered” offer a richly textured narrative of hopes, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of professional hockey.
Flames Unfiltered features two passionate and opinionated hosts. Brad Burud has been with the show since the beginning and was the creator of the show. A Flames fan since 1986 he brings the old school approach to the show. As a Theoren Fleury and Mikka Kiprusoff fan he longs for the playoff runs he watched decades ago. Kyle Lewis joined the show for the start of season four. A Flames fan since the 90’s, Kyle is a huge collector of Calgary game-worn jerseys. Jarome Iginla was the hero for the Flames when Kyle started this journey and Iginla will always be a favorite. Kyle hopes this year’s version of the Flames can bring him the happiness he felt when Gelinas scored the overtime game winner over Detroit. Thanks for joining us. Sit back and enjoy some Flames hockey talk.
FLAMES UNFILTERED EPISODE 221|SEASON 6 Youth Success Provides Hope in Calgary Listen to “Youth Success Provides Hope in Calgary – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 221” on Spreaker. — EPISODE 221 […]
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