play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

skip_previous play_arrow skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
chevron_left
  • play_arrow

    Flames Unfiltered - Episode 286
    Epic Flames Goals

Calgary Flames

Dirty Hit Sidelines Zary – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 281

Brad Burud/Kyle Lewis March 24, 2026


Background
share close


Purple podcast icon with a microphone symbol in the center.

FLAMES UNFILTERED

EPISODE 281|SEASON 7

Dirty Hit Sidelines Zary

Listen to “Dirty Hit Sidelines Zary – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 281” on Spreaker.

— EPISODE 281 —

In this episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis dive into the recent performance of the Calgary Flames, unpacking their three wins out of the last four games. The hosts express a mix of enthusiasm and caution, as they celebrate the exhilarating gameplay yet remain mindful of maintaining a strategic position within the top three. With a challenging schedule ahead, they highlight the importance of team cohesion and the crucial role played by both veteran additions and young athletes.

The conversation shifts to a deeper analysis of controversial incidents from recent games, notably the reckless hit by AJ Greer on Connor Zary. This ignites a broader discussion on NHL’s player safety and the effectiveness of the disciplinary processes orchestrated by George Parros. Through this engaging dialogue, Brad and Kyle vent their frustrations about the lenient suspensions and call for stricter enforcement to ensure player welfare. The episode builds anticipation for upcoming events, such as the NHL draft lottery, and touches on unique fan experiences at Calgary games.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Calgary Flames have improved their performance, with young players contributing significantly to recent wins.

  • The hosts discuss the potential impact of upcoming games against tough opponents like Colorado and Vegas.

  • A conversation on player safety highlights controversies over recent dangerous hits and the inadequacies of NHL disciplinary actions.

  • Brad and Kyle discuss strategic line changes to optimize performance, especially concerning players like Connor Zary.

  • The episode anticipates the excitement and strategy surrounding the NHL draft lottery for Calgary Flames fans.

Notable Quotes:

  1. “What do we got, Gridin and Coronato and Frost right now? I don’t want to screw that line up.” – Brad Burud

  2. “I think regardless of the size of the player being victimized here, when you’re in that position…no matter how big you are, you’re going down if you get hit there.” – Kyle Lewis

  3. “It’s indefensible and this league wants to be taken seriously, and they give out three games for that bad of it from behind. Are you kidding me?” – Kyle Lewis

  4. “I’m pretty sure I know what we got on Klapka, Pospisil, and Sharangovich, but not on Connor Zary” – Brad Burud

  5. “It almost comes across like they’re so desperate to have something to celebrate.” – Kyle Lewis

Listeners are encouraged to dive into the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of the Calgary Flames’ strategies and discussions on NHL’s player safety practices. Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and passionate discussions from Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis on “Flames Unfiltered.”

About the Hosts:

Brad Burud is a host of the “Flames Unfiltered” podcast and a passionate commentator on matters concerning the Calgary Flames, a professional ice hockey team. With deep knowledge and enthusiasm, Brad brings insightful analysis and comprehensive breakdowns of the team’s performance. Kyle Lewis host on the “Flames Unfiltered” podcast. Known for his astute observations and opinionated discussions, Kyle provides complementary insights into the intricacies of the Flames’ game strategies, player performances, and the broader NHL landscape.

Purple podcast icon with a microphone symbol in the center.

Understanding the Flames: Decoding Calgary’s Hockey Dynamics

Key Takeaways

  • The Calgary Flames are navigating a season of potential and growth amidst challenges, including player safety issues and team development.
  • Discussions around coaching strategies reveal a tension between development priorities and competitive performance.
  • The emerging players, like Matvei Gridin, are viewed as crucial to the team’s future trajectory, pointing to a hopeful defensive and offensive lineup.

Exploring the Flames’ Path to Victory and Player Safety

The recent episode of Flames Unfiltered delivered an engaging analysis of the Calgary Flames’ current journey. Hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis tackle pressing themes such as team performance, player safety, and the strategic evolution required for the Flames to realize their potential. At the outset, Burud highlights the recent games, saying, “We’re three and one…they’ve actually been some pretty exciting games too, and fun to watch games.” This sets the tone for viewing the Flames’ trajectory as a balance between excitement and improvement.

Performance on the Ice: Balancing Entertainment and Strategy

The hosts express excitement about recent games, while also voicing a cautious note on potential standings implications. Burud states, “Let’s get it together here,†underscoring the importance of positioning in the league standings, but recognizing that wins must not come at the expense of development objectives. Lewis supports this dynamic by noting, “These young guys are really driving the bus,” expressing both optimism about the future and a warning against premature shifts to focus solely on the current wins. The performances of young players indicate a promising future, yet the concern remains that overperformance could disrupt strategic draft positioning. The discussion balances the thrill of victory with strategic foresight, both pivotal for a competitive edge in the coming seasons.

The Flames and Player Safety: The Dangerous Dynamics

Player safety emerges as a heated topic with the spotlight on AJ Greer’s dangerous hit on Connor Zary. “The reactions from Ken Campbell… every Flames fan account, of course,” reveals a universal disapproval towards the league’s punitive measures. The analysis critiques the three-game suspension given to Greer, perceived as a punishment that undercuts the severity of the offense. “I mean, the track record of what they’re showing us for everything is under five games now,” Burud notes, expressing frustration at the seeming leniency impacting player safety. This conversation expands to criticize the larger league dynamics, with player safety protocols deemed insufficient for maintaining the health and integrity of players on the ice.

Cohesion and Coaching: How the Flames Navigate Team Dynamics

Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis dive into coaching challenges, illustrating a friction between expected performance and development. In reference to Ryan Huska’s coaching approach, “You know, it’s funny him actually. Gridin and Olson probably have the two hardest shots in the team,†Lewis admits, pointing to coaching decisions that both promote development and puzzle fandom. This conversation highlights the difficulty of balancing player development with team achievements, as young talents like Gridin and Zary are utilized. Burud insists, “We need to evaluate and putting Connor Zary for the final… games or whatever it is on center so we can see what we got,” revealing a desire for a transparent evaluation of the team’s talent pool, a vision not yet consistently realized by coaching strategies. The host’s discussion signals a broader call for strategic coherence where development and performance dreams align, molding the Flames into a resilient team.

Gazing forward, these conversations converge into a vision uniquely insightful for the Flames’ future. With discussions covering everything from draft positions to team development under current pressures, the emphasis remains on calculated progression. This balance between present victories and future potentials exists as the backbone of a strategy aimed at long-term relevance rather than short-lived success. The excitement around players like Matvei Gridin encapsulates potential—his growth a signal for the lineup’s future strength.

As outlined, the Flames face numerous challenges that are sharing one solution: engaging deeply and constructively with each development aspect. Kyle Lewis opines, “We need to develop these players… we have certain stop-gaps… you’re not to lean on them to the point that the guys aren’t put in the situations,” expressing how critical a fresh strategic orientation remains for a consolidated, robust future of Calgary Flames hockey. Invested in transformation through engagement and insight, the Flames’ community has a chance to shift this narration from endless potential to realized, substantial achievements in both their team dynamics and broader league positioning.

 

Purple podcast icon with a microphone symbol in the center.Purple podcast icon with a microphone symbol in the center.

Purple podcast icon with a microphone symbol in the center.

Tagged as: .

Download now: Dirty Hit Sidelines Zary – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 281

file_download Download

Rate it
Two professional men in suits posing against a dark background.
Author

Brad Burud/Kyle Lewis

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.

list Archive

Background
Previous episode