Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis are co-hosts of “Flames Unfiltered,” a podcast dedicated to the Calgary Flames and their fanbase, providing a deep dive into the team’s weekly performances, player discussions, and franchise developments. Brad Burud brings his comprehensive knowledge and passion for the Flames into each episode, engaging fans with his nuanced understanding of the sport. Kyle Lewis, known for his sharp analysis and lively banter, brings a dynamic presence to the conversation, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained.
Episode Summary:
In this candid episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis offer an unvarnished look at the state of the Calgary Flames, sharing their personal perspectives on the team’s recent performances and the overall mood of the Flames community. The conversation traverses from the on-ice action, delving into player dynamics, to the broader implications of the fan base’s reactions to the team’s rocky season.
Brad and Kyle open the talk with some friendly banter about the Wranglers and former Flames players, discussing the importance of fostering a winning culture in the AHL affiliate. They also dive into potential trades, examining rumors and exploring the weight of fan expectations versus realistic outcomes. The duo addresses specific players’ contributions and contemplate the viability of trades involving Markstrom, a hot topic among Flames enthusiasts.
Hosts express mixed feelings about recent Flames performances and the divided fan base.
Kyle and Brad fiercely debate Matthew Phillips’ status and the Flames’ AHL prospects.
The discussion pivots to the upcoming NHL trade deadline, highlighting Noah Hanifin’s situation and possible movement.
The co-hosts share their skepticism of the power play strategies and potential coaching changes.
The episode wraps up with personal anecdotes about experiences with hockey and books related to the sport.
Key Takeaways:
The Calgary Flames fan base is showing signs of polarization, especially concerning the team’s direction and player acquisitions.
The upcoming NHL trade deadline is causing buzz and speculation, particularly around Noah Hanifin and the goalkeeping situation with Jacob Markstrom.
The Flames’ power play strategy is under scrutiny, with calls for adjustments and better utilization of skilled players.
There are concerns about the team’s prospects and depth, with mentions of Adam Ruzicka and recent AHL call-ups.
The hosts engage in a rich, light-hearted conversation, covering everything from personal hockey-related stories to notable books in the sport’s world.
Notable Quotes:
“Hockey fans are kind of stupid. When our team’s good, it’s like, oh, we’re going to save the world and we’re going to get the greatest guy in the world, right?” – Brad Burud
“I would put the NHL’s leading goal scorer amongst defensemen on the first fucking unit.” – Kyle Lewis
“I’m not going to give that much on Adam Ruzicka, that’s for sure. But the whole power play thing. Yeah, so I’m disappointed with how it’s gone this year.” – Kyle Lewis
“It bothers me when I see a player and I’m looking at him going, he’s big, he can skate, he’s got hands, good release stick, handles good in difficult situations, but he’s fucking lazy.” – Brad Burud
“It’s always nice to know where you came from and who helped you get there.” – Kyle Lewis, on family influence in sports.
The hosts discussed recalling the book “Best Seat in the House” by Jamie McLennan, potentially providing insights into hockey culture and life in the NHL.
Listen to the full episode of “Flames Unfiltered” to capture the full warmth and depth of Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis’ take on the Calgary Flames’ week and receive their thoughtful analysis on the team’s future. Stay tuned for more engrossing content and discussions that get right to the heart of Flames hockey.
Unpacking the Calgary Flames Fervor: Insights from a Week in Hockey
The passion for hockey runs deep in the veins of fans and commentators alike. This week’s “Flames unfiltered” podcast with Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis is a testament to that fervent engagement with the sport. The duo navigates through a gamut of topics, from Calgary Flames’ team dynamics and trades to broader NHL implications and the quintessence of the fan experience. Merging humor with incisive analysis, they peel back the layers of professional hockey to reveal what lies beneath the spectacle.
Key Takeaways:
Flames’ Roster Strategy: The debate around trading key players like Markstrom reflects the fans’ and analysts’ differing views on short-term gains versus long-term strategy.
Fan Experience: Fans’ passion for their team is intertwined with their expectations, tolerance for losing, and the overall entertainment value of the games.
The Hockey Community: Hockey extends beyond the arena, fostering community connections, personal stories, and a widespread influence that spans generations.
Trading Turbulence and Roster Reconsideration
The discussion begins with a point of contention that’s been a hot topic for Flames fans: the potential trading of key roster players. Brad and Kyle candidly exchange views not just on specific trade scenarios, but on the very ethos of hockey trades. The fans’ anticipation of re-signings and waivers, like that of Matthew Phillips, prompts the question: How do these trades impact the immediate future of the team and the overall winning culture?
“We think we’re just going to get the greatest return and that return is going to step in and just save the day. And I mean, I’m guilty of it. We’re all guilty of it.” (Brad Burud)
These trades are not simple transactions; they’re loaded with expectations, potential, and a myriad of what-ifs. Fans see through the lens of what each player represents — not just their statistics, but their perceived value in the grander narrative of a winning season, or the lack thereof.
“It’s a matter of if, it’s just the whole like come on. We know these guys are getting traded.” (Kyle Lewis)
Brad emphasizes that trading a player like Jacob Markstrom might seem a prudent move in the quest for fresh talent and a reshaped roster. Yet, it also embodies a significant risk by placing immense pressure on the incoming talent and potentially destabilizing the team’s dynamics.
The Fan Base: A Dichotomy of Passion and Patience
Diving into the complexities of the fan base, Brad and Kyle shed light on the dichotomy inherent within. Fans are divided between their steadfast loyalty and their frustration with the team’s performance, exemplified by Brad’s contrasting feelings about the team and its followers.
“Don’t fuckin’ think this fan base is making it through a tank.” (Brad Burud)
There’s a fine line between the desire for a complete overhaul — or “tank” — and the disappointment that comes with each loss, as displayed during a 5-0 defeat to Detroit. For some, it prompts a call for refunds or impassioned letters to ownership. The fervor of expectations clashes with the harsh realities of the games outcomes; the podcast reflects this very struggle to reconcile the two.
A United Community through Generational Ties and Personal Triumphs
Further underlining hockey’s societal roots, Brad and Kyle lighten the mood with stories about NHLers’ personal lives and career trials. For example, Mason Morelli’s ascension to the NHL and subsequent first goal: a beacon for many fans who project their own dreams onto these career milestones. Hockey is much more than a sport; it’s a life story narrated through generational legacies, like Morelli’s grandfather’s historic goal, and continued through community bonds.
“It’s fun to see a good-hearted kid get rewarded. So we’ll see how long he stays up and we’ll go.” (Brad Burud)
Here, the podcast extends beyond statistics, addressing the emotional fabric that weaves fans together. It celebrates the human stories within the sport — an aspect easily overshadowed in the heat of team critiques, yet paramount to understanding the game’s broad appeal.
Recapping the conversation, it’s clear that the fabric of Flames hockey and its followers is textured with complexities. Each game’s outcome is a thread that weaves into the larger tapestry of the sport’s history. The debate over trades, exemplified by the diverging views on Markstrom, reveals the nuances of constructing a roster that honors both present and future. The fans’ dichotomy reflects an understanding of their devotion, but also their limits of patience, while the community connections highlight that this is more than a sport — it’s a shared identity and legacy. From each passing puck to every traded player or heartfelt tribute, the Flames saga continues, stirred by the undying spirits of those who truly live and breathe the game.
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.