Listen to “Flames Tank? No! It’s Reality – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 262” on Spreaker.
— EPISODE 262 —
Welcome to another episode of Flames Unfiltered, where hosts Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud delve into the latest on the Calgary Flames’ struggle in the current NHL season. In this lively discussion, they reflect on the team’s recent games, analyze coaching decisions, and ponder the future of the Flames’ lineup. Throughout the episode, they are candid about the challenges the team faces amid a harsh start to the season, hinting at broader implications for the franchise’s strategy moving forward.
In this episode, Kyle and Brad explore the Calgary Flames’ disappointing start to the NHL season highlighted by poor offensive output and questionable coaching decisions. The hosts lay bare their frustrations over Ryan Huska’s coaching approach, especially regarding lineup choices and player management. Their conversation also touches on broader themes, including fan rivalries, the importance of high-end talent, and the consequences of failing to anchor a winning culture within the team. With insightful anecdotes and engaging banter, they provide listeners a comprehensive view of the Flames’ current predicament and potential steps forward for the franchise.
The Flames have experienced their worst start in franchise history, resulting in calls for major changes and an increased focus on future draft picks.
Coaches Ryan Huska’s decisions, particularly about lineups and scratching players like Matthew Coronato, have drawn criticism from Kyle and Brad.
The Flames’ current roster lacks high-end talent, posing severe challenges to achieving a successful season.
There is a general consensus that the Calgary Flames should commit to building for the future rather than striving for unlikely immediate success.
Kyle and Brad emphasize the importance of nurturing and integrating younger talent, including players like Connor Zary and Matthew Coronato, to rebuild effectively.
“I think the reality has hit that our Flames team’s not very good.” – Kyle Lewis
“I’m not cheering for this team to lose, but I’m surely not cheering for them to go on a ten-game win streak.” – Brad Burud
“Do we ever know anything in life? I do know that our Flames team’s not very good.” – Kyle Lewis
“Without rivalries, sports suck. Would it be fun?” – Brad Burud
“This is not a tank, you guys. When you’re trying to win and still can’t win, that is not tanking.” – Brad Burud
For an in-depth analysis of the Calgary Flames’ situation and to hear more from Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions from Flames Unfiltered, where all things Calgary Flames are laid bare every week.
Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud are the dynamic hosts of the Flames Unfiltered podcast. Kyle Lewis is an avid Calgary Flames fan with a passion for hockey and engaging sports discussions. Brad Burud brings deep insights into the Flames, with a keen analytical perspective on the team’s performances and broader NHL contexts. Both hosts are known for their unfiltered and candid style, providing a refreshing take on hockey talk.
Key Takeaways
Whether it’s the Flames clashing with the Oilers or the heated banter with Canucks fans, rivalries in the NHL aren’t just about the game; they’re an essential part of the fan experience and community identity. As Kyle Lewis notes, “We get to watch them play Nashville tonight or, oh, I get to watch them play Carolina tonight or New Jersey. Boring.” The thrill and anticipation that come with rivalries make each game more than just a contest of skill.
These rivalries also forge connections among fans. From Kyle’s encounters with Canucks followers to his playful banter with Oilers fans in Ottawa, it’s clear these interactions enrich the hockey experience. Brad Burud captures the sentiment perfectly when he says, “I think that’s what makes sports beautiful, is to have that hatred. It’s beautiful.”
Such dynamics affect players and teams, creating high stakes where every mistake and triumph is magnified. The rivalries are a backdrop against which players’ performances are relentlessly scrutinized, challenging them to rise above and influence outcomes in unexpected ways.
Ryan Huska, the Calgary Flames’ head coach, faces an ongoing barrage of criticism regarding his coaching style, notably for his erratic line changes. The Flames are enduring their worst start in franchise history, a situation that has many pointing fingers at Huska’s coaching methodologies. The Flames are “dead last in the national hockey league,” a reality that casts doubt on Huska’s decisions.
Kyle’s frustration is palpable as he critiques Huska’s handling of lines: “The coach scratches your best goal scorer. And you tell me you’re still not trying to tank. Are you sure?” This skepticism is echoed by Brad, who questions Huska’s lineup choices by highlighting Coronato’s healthy scratch: “Huska’s lineups are so jacked up every night. He’s a dart thrower.”
The inconsistency in coaching also affects player morale and development, as young talents like Matthew Coronato and Connor Zary grapple with an environment that isn’t conducive to growth. The broader implications for the Flames’ future loom large, as player potential remains stunted under a coach whose long-term role with the team is increasingly uncertain.
The Flames’ lack of direction has not just confused fans; it poses a significant threat to their future competitiveness. Brad’s analysis of possible trades highlights a crucial pivot: “We need to maximize return now on Anderson and more importantly, the guy we should have maximized at the draft, Nazem Kadri.” This mirrors a sentiment amongst fans for the Flames to take a proactive approach in building for the future.
Cutting ties for strategic gain involves looking beyond immediate results to what each trade or draft move promises. Brad’s lament about missed opportunities with Kadri underscores this need. Elliote Friedman’s insights into trade interests suggest a market receptive to Flames players. The Flames’ management must act decisively, leveraging their assets to rebalance the team and develop young talents.
This shift requires embracing a culture of change, one confident enough to let go of popular players in favor of draft picks or developing talent, reflecting a broader NHL trend toward building dynamic, sustainable teams.
Reflecting on the transcript’s discourse, it becomes evident that the Calgary Flames are at a crossroads, one that demands critical choices both on and off the ice. The fans’ passion, powerfully articulated by Kyle and Brad, reveals a deep-seated love and concern for their team’s trajectory. Navigating this path involves acknowledging past mistakes while fostering hopeful strategies.
The conversation held by Kyle and Brad illustrates the dual truths of sports — the love of the game, with all its rivalries and drama, contrasted against the stark realities of team performance and management. According to Brad, “I love the Flames and can’t wait for a time when we’re talking about 10 game win streaks and cup contenders.” This reflects not just a fan’s hope but a roadmap to seeing those dreams realized by adapting to a dynamic, forward-thinking NHL landscape.
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 261|SEASON 7 Flames Horrible Start Sparks Reality Check Listen to “Flames Horrible Start Sparks Reality Check – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 261” on Spreaker. — EPISODE 261 […]
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