Listen to “Controversial Flames Opening Night Roster – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 259” on Spreaker.
— EPISODE 259 —
Join hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis in this engaging episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” where they dive deep into the latest developments surrounding the Calgary Flames and the NHL. The discussion sweeps across various aspects, from player performances to team strategies and notable transformative changes within the league. As the new season kicks off, Brad and Kyle set the stage with detailed analyses and predictions that cater to hockey enthusiasts and Flames’ fans alike.
Focusing on the Flames’ roster decisions, the hosts dissect the perplexities behind some notable preseason moves. With an eye on player development and team dynamics, they delve into the decision-making of keeping players like Matvei Gridin over others, sparking discussions on coaching strategies under Ryan Huska’s newly extended contract. The conversation is ripe with questions about asset management and how preseason performances should translate into regular-season opportunities, an area intensely scrutinized by the community.
The Flames’ preseason choices reflect broader league trends of prioritizing veteran players over newer talents based on contracts and historical performances.
Brad and Kyle highlight the significance of stellar goaltending in defining a coach’s success, emphasizing Dustin Wolf’s impact on the Flames last season.
An intriguing focus is on Ryan Huska’s contract extension, weighing the timing against the team’s actual performance metrics.
Predictions for the Pacific Division are explored, showcasing a diverse array of opinions and expectations for the upcoming season.
The episode tackles the balance of maintaining young talent versus leveraging proven experience in forming winning hockey teams.
“Canada only has one ball team and they’re very good this year, so we’ll see where it goes.” – Kyle Lewis
“I’m not saying Craig Conroy is doing a bad job. That’s not at all what I’m insinuating.” – Brad Burud
“Could you script anything worse than McDavid and dry settle lighting it up and blowing by the young guy?” – Brad Burud
“Dustin Wolf is the number one reason they got that close. And anybody who tells themselves otherwise is lying to themselves.” – Kyle Lewis
“I look at the lineup and I’m like, what in the hell? He put. Okay. How many times did we say when Jeff Ward was there? Lines in a blender.” – Brad Burud
Intrigued by the preseason moves and Flames’ roster decisions? Dive deeper into the current episode to explore the insights and detailed discussions brought forward by Brad and Kyle. Stay up-to-date with “Flames Unfiltered” for more hockey talk and in-depth analyses as the season progresses.
Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis are the hosts of the podcast “Flames Unfiltered,” dedicated to providing in-depth discussions and insights into the Calgary Flames hockey team. With a combined passion for sports and keen analysis, they delve into team strategies, player performances, and league dynamics, offering listeners a comprehensive view of current happenings within the NHL. Brad and Kyle are known for their candid takes and ability to engage fans through interactive discussions.
Key Takeaways:
Flames’ Roster Decisions: Balancing Veteran Experience with Young Talent
The Calgary Flames are on the cusp of a highly anticipated 2023-24 NHL season. However, the offseason and training camp decisions have left fans and analysts debating the direction of the team. One of the most contentious issues discussed by Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis on “Flames Unfiltered” is the team’s roster decisions, particularly in handling young talent versus experienced veterans. As Brad points out, “there’s no justification” for prioritizing some veteran players over promising prospects like Ilya Solovyov, whom the Flames lost on waivers.
In training camps, the expectation is that spots are earned based on performance. Yet, as Kyle suggests, “in this case, it’s those two,” referring to veterans Jake Bean and Daniil Miromanov, who seemingly retained roster spots over younger, arguably more deserving players. The narrative sheds light on the broader issue of NHL teams often deferring to seasoned NHL players, a common yet controversial practice.
The tension between nurturing emerging talent while respecting veterans’ contributions is a recurring theme. “Now if Huberdeau wasn’t hurt, what happens to Gridin?” questions Kyle, hinting at how injuries sometimes force teams to adapt their strategies.
Ryan Huska’s Early Extension: Confidence or Premature Decision?
The Flames’ decision to extend head coach Ryan Huska’s contract before the season even started was another hot topic. As debated by the hosts, extending Huska, especially after an 8-1 preseason loss, seemed like curious timing. Mike Bartner’s observation (“doing this the morning after an 8-1 loss is hilarious”) captures the sentiment of many fans who question the timing.
Dustin Wolf, the team’s standout goaltender, is credited with many of the Flames’ successes last season, bringing into question whether Huska’s extension was based on his coaching capabilities or Wolf’s prowess. Kyle insists that “Dustin Wolf is the number one reason they got that close,” emphasizing the goaltender’s crucial role in the team’s success.
Despite the controversy surrounding Huska’s extension, it’s a testament to the organization’s confidence in his ability to lead the team forward. Yet, as Brad notes, “a good coach usually means you have a good goalie,” suggesting the interplay between coaching performance and player quality in determining success.
Breakout Players and Division Predictions: Flames’ New Season Outlook
Looking ahead, Brad and Kyle discuss potential breakout players and make predictions for the Pacific Division. Joel Farabee emerges as a possible “Flames breakout player of the year,” with Brad predicting, “He’s gonna make a lot of people eat their words.” Similarly, Kyle suggests that Morgen Frost could seize an opportunity, noting the forward’s strong showing in training camp.
The hosts also delve into Pacific Division predictions, offering insights into where the Flames might stand. Brad has the Flames ranked seventh, citing concerns about sustaining standout performances from last year. Kyle, however, ranks them fourth, due in part to their goaltending strength with Wolf.
These predictions not only underscore the uncertainty surrounding the Flames’ performance but also reflect broader trends in the Pacific Division. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are highlighted as strong contenders, while the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks are seen as teams on the rise.
As the Calgary Flames embark on the new NHL season, much uncertainty surrounds their lineup and performance. Weighed by roster controversies and strategic coaching decisions, the team’s trajectory is fraught with challenges and opportunities alike. Significant attention will be on breakout players like Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, who may offer the spark the Flames need to improve upon last season. Meanwhile, the sentiment shared by Brad and Kyle on “Flames Unfiltered” reflects broader concerns and optimism within the Flames’ fanbase, eager to witness how these offseason decisions will unfold in reality.
The Flames’ tale this season forms an intriguing subplot in the wider NHL narrative, where emerging stars and shrewd strategies could carve their path in a highly competitive division.
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 258|SEASON 7 The Kerins Question Listen to “The Kerins Question – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 258” on Spreaker. — EPISODE 258 — In this episode of “Flames […]
