Flames Unfiltered – Episode 202 – Flames Makin and Missin the Grade

FLAMES UNFILTERED

EPISODE 202|SEASON 5

Flames Makin and Missin the Grade

Listen to “Flames Unfiltered – Episode 202 – Flames Makin and Missin the Grade” on Spreaker.

— EPISODE 202 —

This episode of Flames Unfiltered features Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis, two insightful hockey analysts with a passion for the Calgary Flames. Brad Burud brings his experience and keen insights into the world of hockey, drawing from his in-depth knowledge of the Flames’ team dynamics and league-wide trends. Kyle Lewis adds a complementary perspective with his analytical prowess and fervent dedication to hockey, honed through years of following the Flames’ trials and tribulations.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of Flames Unfiltered, hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis delve into the latest happenings around the Calgary Flames. Throughout their discussion, they engage in a thorough and critical evaluation of the Flames’ personnel, from players to management, examining the past season and speculating on the franchise’s future.

Brad and Kyle kick off the episode by touching upon the feeling of anticipation before recording, immediately diving into the latest Flames news, albeit noting nothing Earth-shattering has occurred. They then transition into a tradition of the show—handing out player grades and sharing forward-looking thoughts about the organization’s trajectory. The conversation weaves through AHL updates, particularly the Calgary Wranglers’ playoff performance, and significant prospects like Coronato and Klapka, before concluding with a reflection on the Flames’ NHL campaign and draft lottery outcome.

• Exciting evaluations of emerging prospects and their potential roles with the Flames.
• An in-depth analysis of Saros’ stint in the NHL and his development needs.
• Positive notes on potential roster mainstays like Cole Schwindt.
• Pondering the implications of Jacob Markstrom’s viability as the Flames’ goaltending future.

Key Takeaways:

• Prospect Potential: Brad and Kyle go deep on prospects, highlighting the likes of Coronato, Klapka, and Schwindt, and their possible impact on the Flames’ future.
• AHL and NHL Discussion: They also discuss the performance of the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL playoffs and how outcomes affect NHL opportunities.
• Player Grades: From goalie evaluations to forwards like Huberdeau and Coleman, the hosts candidly grade Flames players on the past season’s performance.
• Organizational Changes: Commentary on Flames’ front office movements, with the stepping down of John Bean as president and CEO.
• Draft Lottery Reflections: Brad and Kyle ponder the Calgary Flames’ ninth pick in the upcoming draft and discuss potential strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Brad Burud: “I just don’t know if maybe a little bit more time in the American Hockey League doesn’t help [Coronato].”
• Kyle Lewis: “But he [Poirier] missed way too much time this past season to develop his game defensively enough to play at the NHL level.”
• Brad Burud: “He [Dustin Wolf] did one thing that I kind of prayed he would do, though. What I kind of pray to you came in and made all of us believe that Jacob Markstrom was expendable.”
• Kyle Lewis: “This is a very different team than many of the iterations that backlin’s played on.”

Tune into this insightful episode of Flames Unfiltered to engage with the passionate discussions of Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis. Stay updated with the in-depth analysis and unfiltered takes on the Calgary Flames by subscribing to Flames Unfiltered for the fans who want to keep their finger on the pulse of their favorite NHL team.

Inside the Net: Calgary Flames Offseason Insights and Player Evaluations

Hockey enthusiasts keen on understanding the nuances of the Calgary Flames’ performance, trajectory, and player futures have an unparalleled source of insights in the latest discussion from Flames Unfiltered. Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis dissect the Flames’ situation post-2022 season, exploring themes from roster evaluations to prospects, and gaining texture from their offseason moves. Here’s what they’ve illuminated:

Key Takeaways:

• The future role of Dustin Wolf as a potential NHL regular goaltender remains a critical talking point, balancing expectation with pragmatic outlook.
• Player performances through the season offer a mixed review, highlighting the need for strategic offseason moves and individual player growth.
• The notion of drafting Tij Iginla presents both an emotionally charged opportunity and a strategic move for the Flames’ future.

The Dustin Wolf Dilemma: Goaltending Future on the Brink

One of the focal points of conversation gravitates around goalie Dustin Wolf and his potential to ascend to a regular NHL goaltender role. Burud and Lewis are cautiously optimistic, assigning him a grade that wavers between C+ and B. “I just don’t know how… I don’t see it as much as I liked him and I like some of the aspects,” admits Burud, encapsulating the sentiment that Wolf’s future is promising but not without uncertainties.

Burud: “I feel like he’s fully capable of [being an NHL regular], I just don’t feel as confident as a lot of the fan base does.”

Lewis echoes this careful optimism, theorizing about the propulsion from an AHL stalwart to an NHL fixture. The discourse delves into the nuances of Wolf’s performances, juxtaposing his minor league success with his sporadic NHL stints. The broader implication here lies in the Flames’ next steps; whether they’ll commit to grooming Wolf as the heir to the netminding throne or continue their allegiance with Jacob Markstrom.

Performance Evaluation: A Mixed Bag of Grades

The discussion pivots to a candid run-through of player grades, shedding light on the fluctuating fortunes of the Flames’ roster. Notable underachievers and promising players alike receive scrutiny. Players such as Johnny Gaudreau come under fire for their unremarkable season, while others, including Blake Coleman, have acquitted themselves commendably.

Lewis: “[Coleman had] a really good season… but he just couldn’t keep his foot on the floor the whole season.”

This evaluation segment dives deeper into the perceived potential and delivery of each player, not shying away from confronting underperformance. The implications are stark – for the Flames to kindle a revival, these off-season player evaluations must translate into tangible improvements on the ice.

Tij Iginla: Drafting More Than a Name

When conversations pivot to the upcoming NHL draft and the possibility of drafting Tij Iginla, they are charged with both nostalgia and strategic foresight. The panel contemplates the marketing boon and the potential on-ice impact of bringing in the son of Flames icon Jarome Iginla.

Burud: “He shows up every night for them… having [Iginla] on the team puts a ton of pressure on him, but also opens the door for some wonderful things.”

Beyond the allure of a legendary surname, drafting Tij Iginla could be a seminal move, providing the Flames with a touchstone for both the present fanbase and the future of the franchise. As the team looks towards establishing a new identity, Iginla could embody a bridge between illustrious past glories and a reinvigorated future ambience.

Reflecting on the Flames’ tumultuous journey, the rich dialogue from Flames Unfiltered points to a team at a crossroads. The intricate player grades chart not only individual particles of the Flames’ combustion engine but also paint a collective portrait of where the heat turned cold. Meanwhile, the draft considerations, especially the potential acquisition of Tij Iginla, hint at a narrative-rich prospective future for the team. As the offseason beckons with its attendant strategies and rookie dreams, these insights are markers on the Flames’ path to rekindle a competitive blaze.

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