Listen to “The Back-up Goalie Plan – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 260” on Spreaker.
— EPISODE 260 —
In this engaging episode of Flames Unfiltered, hosts Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud navigate through the early season complexities faced by the Calgary Flames. The discussion is sparked by the team’s rollercoaster start, analogous to a “bad relationship” as described by the hosts, setting the tone for a candid and comprehensive dialogue. The episode delves into specific issues, such as lineup decisions and backup goaltender challenges, punctuated with a mix of frustration and optimism about the games so far.
The episode delivers a thorough analysis of the Flames’ current challenges, focusing on their scoring struggles and the critical need for strategic adjustments in player deployment. Kyle and Brad pondered over the Flames’ inability to convert chances into goals, echoing the sentiments of fans aggravated by familiar woes resurfacing this season. As they dissect the game strategies and player performances, terms like “grind line”, “goalie dynamics”, and “offensive strategy” consistently resurface as the hosts predict possible solutions and lineup changes. With key player statistics and line-up criticisms, the episode not only critiques but also offers passionate fan-driven solutions.
The Calgary Flames have had a tumultuous start to the season akin to “a bad relationship,” with notable ups and downs.
Scoring remains a major issue, with the Flames generating frequent chances but lacking the finishing touch.
Early lineup decisions, such as placement of key players like Connor Zary on less impactful lines, are under scrutiny from fans and hosts alike.
Backup goaltending was highlighted as a significant concern, with the Flames yet to solidify a reliable option behind Dustin Wolf.
The overall sentiment remains hopeful, with both hosts looking for strategic changes that could better utilize available talent and bolster team performance.
“This team is lacking finish, not opportunities. There’s a real gap in our ability to convert chances into goals.” – Kyle Lewis
“Our scoring struggles need to be addressed quickly; they’re a throwback to last season’s issues.” – Brad Burud
“You have to wonder if this system, this hang on for dear life and win by one, stymies our offensive capabilities.” – Brad Burud
“We’re three games in, so let’s not panic… yet. But there’s clearly room for changes and improvement.” – Kyle Lewis
“Finding and retaining a solid backup goalie was a definite mistake, and we’re now seeing its effects.” – Kyle Lewis
Catch the full episode for an in-depth look at these discussions and to stay tuned for more Flames insights in future episodes!
Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud are hosts of the podcast “Flames Unfiltered,” providing an unvarnished look at Calgary Flames hockey. Kyle is known for his passionate and insightful takes on the Flames’ performance and strategies, engaging listeners with in-depth analysis and humor. Brad is notable for his deep understanding of hockey dynamics and organizational strategy, offering a critical yet hopeful perspective on the Flames’ trajectory. Together, they deliver a dynamic combination of analysis and fan perspective, making them influential voices in the Flames fan community.
The ongoing NHL season brings both challenges and intrigues as the Calgary Flames confront familiar shortcomings and promising new talent. Based on a recent episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” hosted by Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud, fans gain an unfiltered perspective on the team’s dynamics as they navigate through early-season tests.
Flame’s Battle for Offensive Consistency
The Calgary Flames continue to grapple with a lack of finishing despite creating ample scoring opportunities from an analytical perspective. According to Brad Burud, “this team is not allergic to scoring chances. They’re allergic to finishing and scoring.” This encapsulates the ongoing struggle as the Flames strive to capitalize on offensive plays.
Burud and Lewis discussed the St. Louis game, revealing the depth of frustration felt by fans and analysts alike. Despite being “by far the better team,” the Flames failed to light the lamp, which highlights the critical need for skilled finishers. Lewis emphasized the variance in player potential, noting, “The only legit scoring threat, night in, night out, is Matthew Coronado because of his wicked, wicked shot.”
From a broader perspective, the Flames’ inability to convert these opportunities into goals risks undermining their season-long performance goals. Addressing this key issue is paramount if the team hopes to surpass merely meeting expectations and truly contend in the playoffs.
The Quest for a Robust Goaltending Solution
The goaltending situation, especially concerning a competent backup, looms large for the Flames. Dustin Wolf has emerged as a promising starting goaltender, yet the Flames have hesitations about resting him too often due to a lack of faith in the current backup options, Cooley and Prosvatov.
The narrative of finding a suitable backup is interspersed with a critique of management decisions, as Brad pointed out, “I think this was a big mistake to be throwing out one-way deals to goalies without a little bit more basis.” Lewis agreed, expressing a need for a “veteran partner” to provide Wolf with necessary mentorship and team stability.
This goaltending conundrum underscores broader team challenges. It emphasizes the structural importance of having a reliable goaltending duo to endure a demanding NHL schedule and prevent overtaxing Wolf. Their ability to resolve this issue could be a determining factor for the Flames’ competitiveness in the long haul.
Evaluating Strategic and Tactical Decisions
Coaching decisions, especially around player deployment and line combinations, are put under the microscope. Concerns have been voiced regarding whether Ryan Huska’s deployment strategies best serve the team’s potential. Fans and analysts alike are weary of seeing Connor Zary on the fourth line, given the prospect he possesses.
Kyle Lewis articulated, “He needs to play up higher in lineup because I think there’s some potential there to be a 60 or 70 point player.” Moreover, the question over Zary’s deployment extends to how well the coaching staff understands and utilizes emerging talents like Coronato and Gridin.
This scrutiny of coaching tactics highlights potential missteps within the Flames’ system that could stymy offensive progression and player development. The confluence of players’ skill potential and strategic deployment calls into question whether the Flames’ system is flexible enough to adapt to the evolving talent on the roster.
Up ahead, as Calgary Flames fans watch the new season unfold, these critical dynamics interweave to craft the narrative of the Flames’ pursuit of success. They face the monumental task of translating raw potential into realized performance, bridging the gap between effort and execution. With challenges come opportunities for innovation and growth, making this season a pivotal moment in shaping the Calgary Flames’ future trajectory.
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 259|SEASON 7 Controversial Flames Opening Night Roster Listen to “Controversial Flames Opening Night Roster – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 259” on Spreaker. — EPISODE 259 — Join […]
