Listen to “Flames Fire off Four Straight Wins – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 213” on Spreaker.
— EPISODE 213 —
In this episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis navigate technical difficulties to dive into another engaging discussion about Calgary Flames hockey. They begin by reflecting on the Flames’ recent performance, noting a mixed bag of emotions following the team’s first loss after an initial winning streak. The hosts explore their reactions to changes in the team, especially the impact of the new play-by-play announcer John Abbott. Brad and Kyle appreciate Abbott’s professionalism, despite still adjusting to his style post-Rick Ball era. This insightful episode introduces listeners to the dynamics of fandom and the elements that enhance hockey broadcasts.
The episode takes a deeper dive into the team dynamics with discussions on leadership within the Flames, highlighting the influence of players like Mikael Backlund and the coaching style of Ryan Huska. There’s a focus on the Flames’ recent games against opponents like the Seattle Kraken and Chicago Blackhawks, dissecting player performances, and the effects of potential injuries. Brad and Kyle also talk strategy as they engage in speculation over potential trades and roster shifts, like shopping for a center to enhance team depth. This episode is packed with valuable insights for Flames fans, supplemented by entertainment anecdotes and thoughtful hockey analysis.
The transition to new commentator John Abbott is progressing well with positive listener response, though adjustments are still ongoing post-Rick Ball.
Mikael Backlund’s leadership stands out as vital to the Flames’ locker room culture, reflecting the team’s solid cohesion.
The Flames have started the season strong, but experienced broadcasters and fans caution against high early-season expectations, emphasizing development and consistency.
The discussion covers potential team strategies, including acquiring a mid-six center and managing player injuries, critical for maintaining competitive edge.
“It turns out he actually ordered a full pizza and picked three toppings. I didn’t realize it, and none of the three of us caught what had happened.” – Kyle Lewis
“I think it’s a little unreasonable now that these guys are basically training or playing from, well, the summer, but September when it really rolls.” – Brad Burud
“The less prepared we are, the more entertaining it tends to be, which is a great segue, actually.” – Kyle Lewis
“I do this thing now where when people ask me how old I am, I’m starting to roll over to the next year.” – Brad Burud
“I hope by then we have a stay on the cuff to talk about.” – Kyle Lewis
Discover the blend of professional analysis and engaging conversation in this intricate discussion on “Flames Unfiltered.” Tune in for more insights and to stay caught up with the latest in Calgary Flames hockey.
Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis are co-hosts of the podcast “Flames Unfiltered,” where they delve into all aspects of the Calgary Flames hockey team. With Brad’s extensive background in covering hockey and the Flames, he brings insightful analysis and seasoned commentary to the show. Kyle Lewis complements this with his wealth of knowledge on the sport, also drawing connections between hockey and wider cultural narratives, adding depth to their discussions. Together, they provide an unfiltered view of the latest news, games, and developments surrounding the Flames, cultivating a loyal following among fans.
Key Takeaways
The Calgary Flames are witnessing a transformation under the guidance of Ryan Huska. His approach as a coach, balancing between a player’s mentor and a stern guide, seems to resonate well within the team. As Kyle Lewis observed, Huska “articulates very well in the dressing room in a way that’s believable,” a testament to his communication prowess. Brad Burud noted, “I think Ryan Huska’s kind of bridged that gap pretty well,” referring to Huska’s ability to maintain equilibrium between being overly lenient and overly strict.
This evolving coaching style appears to be fostering a tightly-knit unit, as evidenced by the team’s off-ice activities. Lewis highlighted a team outing to a bowling alley, where players were seen “lying about their scores” and engaging in friendly rivalries, which points to a harmonious and cohesive team spirit. This camaraderie, coupled with a responsive coaching strategy, is likely to fuel performance improvements throughout the season.
The excitement surrounding new and emerging talent in the Flames’ lineup is palpable. Players like Braden Pachal and Dustin Wolf have grabbed headlines for their performances. Pahal, a waiver pickup, has emerged as an unexpected asset in the Flames’ defense roster. Lewis expressed admiration, saying, “He’s not somebody I thought we’d be talking this much about,” illustrating the player’s unexpectedly rapid rise.
Similarly, Wolf’s contributions between the pipes have been noteworthy, reinforcing the Flames’ strong goaltending unit. With a commendable save percentage of .969 in one game and an ongoing season average of .944, Wolf is proving his worth and stabilizing the position. The Flames’ management appears to have struck gold with these players, setting the stage for a promising future if nurtured appropriately.
Despite early successes, the Flames face a slew of challenges as the season progresses. The recent games against Seattle and Chicago served as wake-up calls. “I thought the whole team struggled,” noted Lewis in reference to the game against Seattle. The Flames’ initial four-game winning streak was marred by a narrow overtime loss, reminding both players and fans of the league’s competitive nature.
The importance of putting these early results into context is crucial. “When a team starts four and oh, it’s an 80.4% chance of making the playoffs,” cited Burud, underscoring the significance of a strong start. However, maintaining focus and preparing for more demanding matchups, like those against Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, and Carolina, is essential. The season’s early lessons will undoubtedly serve as foundations for future improvements.
As they navigate a busy schedule, the Flames continue their journey with a mix of optimism and caution. The emergence of young talent, combined with a fresh coaching approach, signals a period of growth and adaptation for the team. Recognizing players like Braden Pahal and Dustin Wolf exemplifies the Flames’ potential sleeper picks in their roster, adding depth and energy to the team dynamics.
The Flames must capitalize on their early-season momentum while addressing areas needing improvement, such as defensive cohesion and face-off efficiency. With upcoming games providing both challenges and opportunities, the Flames are poised to strike a balance between competing fiercely and building for the future.
In offering a lens into the Flames’ current state and aspirations, it’s apparent the blend of coaching innovation, rising player performance, and strategic adaptability shapes this season as one filled with promise. The Flames community, from the locker room to the fan base, can unite under this renewed drive for excellence, with the potential for a season that defies early expectations and forges lasting success.
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.
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