Episode 353: Dustin Wolf’s Week
Posted on March 18, 2024
The Calgary Flames won 2 of their 3 games this week with Dustin Wolf in net – but are still outside of the playoff picture. This week’s discussion revolves around the roster situation with AJ Greer back, the guys discuss how the roster should be juggled up front and how the Flames should manage starts for their three goaltenders for the rest of the season with Jacob Markstrom, Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf all showing they can play at the NHL level. The guys also chat about Jonathan Huberdeau and how his game has improved since the All-Star game.
ListenEpisode 352: A Very Different Defence
Posted on March 12, 2024
The Trade Deadline has passed, and the Calgary Flames now have a very different-looking defence group. The guys discuss the new additions to the team, the loss of Noah Hanifin and if the deal was good for the Flames and if they’re surprised Jacob Markstrom is still a Flame. With the team now sliding further from a playoff spot Dan and Matt also give their opinions about if the Flames can be a playoff team this year.
ListenEpisode 351: Thank You Kipper
Posted on March 4, 2024
We’re still riding a high from the Miikka Kiprusoff jersey retirement game and a 2-0 week for the Calgary Flames which of course we discuss in detail. The guys give their thoughts as to who is the best Flames goalie of all time – Kiprusoff or Vernon. Then as they look ahead to NHL Trade Deadline, they discuss the Chris Tanev trade and what to expect in Artyom Grushnikov, Jacob Markstrom’s comments that “I think it could have been handled a lot different from up top.” and if we expect any other deals besides Noah Hanifin to be done before the deadline.
ListenEpisode 350: So Close But So Far From A Playoff Spot
Posted on February 26, 2024
After a disappointing week last week, the Calgary Flames won all three of their games this week and still sit outside a playoff spot. The guys talk about the crazy Battle of Alberta game this week and the big roles Dryden Hunt and Dan Vladar played in the win. With Andrei Kuzmenko playing up and down the lineup lately, we discuss if he is the player Flames fans hoped for when he was acquired. To wrap up the show we share our thoughts on Miikka Kiprusoff’s jersey retirement which happens this Saturday (March 2).
ListenFireside Chat 349: What A Difference A Week Makes
Posted on February 19, 2024
What the heck happened to the Calgary Flames? Last week was a fantastic week for the team; this week, they look like they can barely compete. The guys debate if the pressure of the Trade Deadline is affecting the team or what else might be causing this change. While on the topic of Trade Deadline we break down some of the recent trade rumours around Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Jacob Markstrom.
ListenEpisode 348: Undefeated Without Lindholm
Posted on February 12, 2024
It’s been a few weeks since our last episode, and lots has happened for the Calgary Flames! This week Dan and Matt discuss the newest Flames with the Andrei Kuzmenko trade and Brayden Pachal waiver pickup and how those players have impacted the Flames’ undefeated streak since the All-Star game. Our hosts follow up on their previous discussion about the All-Star game being irrelevant and how the NHL’s return to the Olympics and the new World Cup impact their thoughts.
ListenBonus Episode: Breaking Down The Lindholm/Kuzemenko Trade
Posted on February 5, 2024
We don’t have a new episode this week due to the Flames bye week, but since there is a big trade to announce, we’re releasing a discussion from last week where Dan joined Sean from the Shifts and Pucks Podcast to break down the trade sending Elias Lindholm to the Canucks for Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. We’ll be back on February 12 with a new episode.
ListenEpisode 347: Starting The Rebuild?
Posted on January 29, 2024
We’ve seen the most roster turnover in a week that we can remember for the Calgary Flames. Adam Ruzicka and Nick DeSimone were lost to waivers, and AJ Greer is out for 8 weeks due to injury, which has prompted Adam Klapka, Cole Schwindt and Matt Coronato to be recalled. Combine the roster turnover with a lousy week on the ice, and the guys discuss if this All-Star break can be considered the official start of the Flames rebuild. Plus you get to hear Dan and Matt’s annual rant on the NHL All-Star game and their dislike of the whole event.
ListenEpisode 346: Vladar’s Week To Shine
Posted on January 22, 2024
On this week’s episode Dan and Matt answer some listener feedback and questions that were submitted via social media as well as discuss all the Calgary Flames’ lineup moves made this week which includes an assessment of Dan Vladar’s viability as a starting goaltender, Matthew Coronato’s play, Adam Kalpka’s debut and who should fill Dillon Dube’s roster spot.
ListenEpisode 345: This Week Was No Dad Joke
Posted on January 15, 2024
Three games, three wins for the Calgary Flames this week during the “Dads and mentors” trip. What do we have to do to keep the Dads around for the rest of the season? The guys talk about this week’s games and if this is a sign the Flames will turn this around to sneak into a Wild Card spot as well as answer some listener questions.
ListenEpisode 344: 40 Years Of Bad
Posted on January 8, 2024
It’s been a few weeks since we’ve talked about the Calgary Flames, so there is lots to discuss this week. Both of our hosts are confused about what criteria were used to determine that Elias Lindholm was the Calgary Flames All-Star for this year. We also discuss Oliver Kylington’s conditioning stint with the Calgary Wranglers – what it means and why fans need to be cautiously optimistic. Since we’re at the mid-point in the season, the guys look back at the season predictions they made back in October to see just how badly they’re doing.
ListenEpisode 343: Wrapping Up 2023
Posted on December 18, 2023
The Calgary Flames played four top teams this week and managed to get four points in the hardest way possible. After another less-than-stellar week, the guys discuss what we’ve learned about Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf over the last week and how the Flames could use their goalies going forward. With 2023 coming to an end the guys predict the next few Flames game results and if they can go .500 until the near year. Plus, each of our hosts gives their wish for what the Flames need to change for 2024.
We’re going to be taking a holiday break so there won’t be a new episode until January 7, 2024! We hope you’ll join is then.
ListenEpisode 342: The Wolfman Cometh
Posted on December 11, 2023
The Calgary Flames ended their longest homestand of the season with only one win in 3 games. With the Flames 3 points out of a playoff spot and 3 points out of a top 5 draft pick this season, the guys discuss the disappointment that continues to follow the team and reset expectations for the season. This week’s big story surrounds the goalies – with Jacob Markstrom injured Dustin Wolf was recalled and got 2 starts this week. The guys discuss their thoughts on Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar’s play and what we think will happen with the Flames goaltending for the rest of the year.
ListenEpisode 341: Focusing On The Blueline
Posted on December 4, 2023
This week’s discussion focuses mainly on the Calgary Flames’ defence after the Nikita Zadorov trade. Dan explains why he thinks the deal is a better one than many fans think it is. The guys also discuss the rumours and news around Noah Hanifin rejecting a contract offer from the Flames, Chris Tanev’s trade value Oliver Kylington being back on the ice and where he slots into the lineup when (if) he returns.
ListenEpisode 340: Quarter Season Evaluation
Posted on November 27, 2023
The Calgary Flames are now at the one-quarter mark of the season, and we discuss where the team is and if there is any feasible way the Flames don’t move their pending Unrestricted Free Agents with where the team is now, and the best we think the Flames can do in the standing this season.
One of the challenges for the team so far has been the Power play. The guys break down if the issue has been the coach (Marc Savard), the system, the players – or perhaps a combination of them all.
ListenEpisode 339: Trade Talk Abound
Posted on November 20, 2023
Trade rumours have been surrounding the Calgary Flames this week. Nikita Zadorov has asked for a trade and Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev are rumoured to be on the trade block as well. Dan is back this week and the guys discuss these trades if their thoughts on Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri have changed and their thoughts on the new Calgary Wranglers’ “Outlaw” third jersey featuring Blasty.
ListenEpisode 338: Less Bad Than The Oilers
Posted on November 13, 2023
In the second of our two-part crossover episode with the Shifts and Pucks podcast, Dan is out for the week so Matt is joined by Kevin Olenick to discuss Jonathan Huberdeau’s reduced minutes this week, Dustin Wolf’s season debut and the rumours that Nikita Zadorov has asked for a trade away from the Calgary Flames. Of course, we can’t help but comment on Jay Woodcroft being fired as coach for the Edmonton Oilers and taking solace in the fact the Flames might not be where they want in the standings but are still above the Oilers.
ListenEpisode 337: Youth Infusion
Posted on November 6, 2023
In the first of our two-part crossover episode with the Shifts and Pucks podcast, we are joined by Kevin Olenick to discuss the end of the Calgary Flames losing streak and Andrew Mangiapane’s suspension, Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil’s NHL debuts, Matt Coronato being sent to the AHL Wranglers and much more.
ListenEpisode 336: Time To Rebuild?
Posted on October 30, 2023
With the Calgary Flames now 2-7 to start the season, the guys try to figure out what the team’s issue is now and if it is finally time for fans to panic. Then, our hosts take a good hard look at whether it is time for the Calgary Flames to seriously and, if so, what that would realistically look like to achieve and if the Calgary fanbase would accept a rebuild to get the Flames back into Stanley Cup contention.
ListenEpisode 335: Six Game Progress Report
Posted on October 23, 2023
The Calgary Flames aren’t off to the start many fans hoped they would be, and there is some concern about Jonathan Huberdeau’s production. The guys discuss if fans should be worried yet and what we can learn from the Flames’ early road losses.
ListenEpisode 334: The Underdog Advantage?
Posted on October 18, 2023
Due to some technical issues, the audio file for some people wasn’t working earlier this week. This has now been corrected.
The Calgary Flames end the first week of the season 1-1. Dan and Matt recap the two games this week, including how Jakob Markstrom has done in the net so far and what the Flames should like and dislike about how the team is playing before looking ahead to next week’s games. This week’s main discussion is around two big questions – do the Flames go into this season as underdogs coming off last year’s disappointing season. If so, how does that help or hurt them?
ListenEpisode 333: Looking Into Our Crystal Balls
Posted on October 9, 2023
As we get ready to kick off the 2023-2024 NHL season, the guys preview who they expect to make the opening day roster and if the Flames are going into this season as an underdog – and if so, does that help the players manage expectations? To end the show, the hosts play their annual prediction game as they try to look ahead to what might be this year for the Calgary Flames.
ListenEpisode 332: Snowy Strong
Posted on October 2, 2023
This week’s show starts with the sad news of Chris Snow’s passing, and then the guys discuss the new Mikael Backlund contract and being named Captain, as well as Jakob Pelletier’s injury and who might take his roster spot. To end the show, the guys give their thoughts on the 2023 Heritage Classic uniforms and the NHL’s continued insistence on retro styling.
ListenEpisode 331: Open Roster Spots To Be Taken
Posted on September 25, 2023
On the opening night of the Calgary Flames pre-season, Dan and Matt are back to discuss the Young Stars Classic and give a preview of the Flames training camp and pre-season. The guys discuss who should be the next captain if they’re worried about Oliver Kylington not reporting to training camp and what young players might be making a push for an NHL roster spot.
ListenEpisode 330: Recapping An Eventful Summer
Posted on September 18, 2023
The Flames had an eventful summer with lots of changes happening. But did the team do enough? This episode gets you caught up with the Flames picks in the 2023 Entry Draft, who we lost and gained as Unrestricted Free Agents, the new coaches for the Flames and Wranglers and more to prepare you for the 2023-2024 season.
ListenEpisode 329: Huska, Iginla & The Entry Draft
Posted on June 21, 2023
Ryan Huska was named the Calgary Flames Head Coach on June 12 and shortly after Jarome Iginla was named as Special Advisor to the General Manager to round out the Flames Hockey Operations team. The guys discuss these moves and look ahead to the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, previewing possible Flames draft picks in the first round and beyond.
ListenEpisode 328: Change In Leadership
Posted on June 2, 2023
Who thought the Calgary Flames would have so much going on after the season ended? Both General Manager Brad Treliving and Head Coach Darryl Sutter have left the organization. After an exhaustive search Craig Conroy was named as the new General Manager and now he has to hire a Head Coach. The guys break down all these moves and discuss the impacts on the future of the Flames, and if the team can still be in “win now” mode next season.
ListenEpisode 327: Only 3 Points Out Of The Playoffs!
Posted on April 17, 2023
The Calgary Flames missed the playoffs this season by only 3 points. There is no doubt this year has been a disappointment for the Flames and the C of Red with lots to discuss as Dan and Matt dissect what went wrong this season and what we can expect to see come next season.
With the Flames out, we’ll be taking a break from new episodes until closer to the NHL Entry Draft in late June, or if significant news breaks before then. Check back at FiresideChat.ca or our social media platforms for info on when we’ll be recording next.
ListenEpisode 326: On The Verge Of Eliminiation
Posted on April 9, 2023
With two losses this week, the Calgary Flames are on the verge of being eliminated from the Western Conference Wildcard race. Dan and Matt will look at what it will take for the Flames to make the playoffs at this point and if they expect to see call-ups from the AHL Calgary Wranglers in the lineup for the last two games of the season.
ListenEpisode 325: 4 Wins In A Row!
Posted on April 3, 2023
The Calgary Flames have win four games in a row for the first time this season! The guys break down the games and news of the week and discuss if they are convinced the Flames will be a playoff team, or if the team will fall short of the post-season despite their recent successes.
ListenEpisode 324: Coronato Signed!
Posted on March 27, 2023
Another week of games for the Calgary Flames, and another roller coaster ride for the C of Red. This week the guys talk about the reports that Nazem Kadri has been very vocal behind the scenes about Darryl Sutter as a coach and Mikael Backlund’s game. We also get the initial thoughts Flames officially signing Matthew Coronato and when we might see him in the lineup and with whom.
ListenEpisode 323: Racing For The Wildcard
Posted on March 20, 2023
The Calgary Flames are working their way back into the Western Conference Wildcard race. The guys discuss the games from this week and what the team can build on going forward. They also look at the career year Tyler Toffoli is having and debate if Mikael Backlund should have his contract renewed and be made the team’s next Captain.
ListenEpisode 322: Should This Week Change Our Opinion?
Posted on March 13, 2023
In the first two games this week the Calgary Flames looked like a very different team than we’ve seen all season. They looked like a team that actually needed to win some games. And then they reverted to their old ways against the Anaheim Ducks. The guys discuss if it’d be better for the Flames to make it into the playoffs and lose in the first round or not make the playoffs to send a message. As well, they look at how Troy Stetcher and Nick Ritchie have looked as Flames, and introduce you to the newest Wrangler Kristians Rubins.
ListenEpisode 321: We’re Booing Too!
Posted on March 6, 2023
The Calgary Flames have had a rotten week on the ice, with 3 losses in three games. Then on March 3, the Calgary Flames became the last team in the NHL to make a trade this season with 2 small trades. The Flames brought in Dryden Hunt, Nick Ritchie and Troy Stetcher and said goodbye to Brett Ritchie, Radim Zohorna and Connor Mackey. The guys introduce you to these new Flames and if they think the Flames came out ahead or not.
ListenEpisode 320: Goaltending Woes Continue
Posted on February 27, 2023
With the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline now less than a week away, the guys spend most of this episode discussing what the Calgary Flames should be doing at the deadline. Between Dan Vladar and Jacob Markstrom, neither goalie has looked good since the All-Star break. Darryl Sutter said this week, “win, and you’re in” is the strategy for the goalies. Is that the best strategy at this point?
ListenEpisode 319: Time To Name a Captain?
Posted on February 20, 2023
The Calgary Flames have another disappointing week, but somehow still manage to be in the playoff hunt. The guys discuss the Allan Walsh tweet this week and if it was a fair criticism. That brings up the question…it time to name a Captain for the Calgary Flames to bring some leadership to the team?
ListenEpiode 318: Buy…Sell…Or Stand Pat At The Trade Deadline?
Posted on February 13, 2023
Dan and Matt are back to review the Calgary Flames’ 1-1-1 week on the road and the very different games we saw from the team in each game. Then the guys spend most of the show looking ahead to the NHL Trade Deadline, which is less than 3 weeks away. Should the Flames be buyers? Sellers? Or stand pat?
ListenBonus Episode: Shifts & Pucks Roundtable
Posted on February 5, 2023
With the Flames on their all star break, the guys didn’t record an episode. Instead, Dan appeared on the Shifts and Pucks podcast where he and the crew continued some of the discussions from Episode 317 with Kevin Olenick.
ListenEpisode 317: Johnny vs Jonathan Hockey
Posted on January 30, 2023
The Calgary Flames had a very Jekyll and Hyde week with a big loss to the Chicago Blackhawks and a big win versus the Seattle Kraken. And don’t forget the return of Johnny Gaudreau to the Saddledome where he took on Jonathan Huberdeau. Johnny Hockey vs Jonathan Hockey.
This week Dan is joined by Kevin Olenick of the Shifts and Pucks podcast to break down what went wrong this week and discuss some bigger issues surrounding the Flames as they embark on their All-Star Break.
ListenEpisode 316: Get Off Darryl’s Bench…You Darn Kids!
Posted on January 23, 2023
Another up-and-down week for the Calgary Flames still has the guys questioning some of the decisions of Darryl Sutter’s coaching staff. The guys give a report on Oliver Kylington’s status and continue to discuss the issues with the Flames not playing young players. With Johnny Gaudreau returning to Calgary and a relatively easy week on the schedule before the Flames bye week, what should we expect for the Flames this week?
ListenEpisode 315: Goalie Hokey Pokey
Posted on January 16, 2023
This week Dan goes on a rant trying to figure out the disconnect between the Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving and Head Coach Darryl Sutter around the Jakob Pelletier call-up and not being played. As well, the guys debate how the goalies should be used for the rest of the month and if Jacob Markstrom or Dan Vladar should be starting in net for the remainder of the month.
ListenEpisode 314: Welcome Jakob Pelletier
Posted on January 9, 2023
The Calgary Flames have made it to the middle point of the season, and they sit in a wild-card spot now. With Jacob Markstrom struggling again this week the guys discuss if Dan Vladar should get the net again, and what to expect from the Jakob Pelletier recall. To end the show Dan and Matt recap their pre-season predictions to see how they’re doing right now.
ListenEpisode 313: In A Playoff Spot Going Into 2023
Posted on January 3, 2023
As the calendar turns to 2023 the Calgary Flames are back in a playoff spot – only down 3 points from where they were this time last year. It feels like the team is finally getting going, and the lines have been settled. The guys recap the 2022 half of the season and look ahead to the 2023 half of the season and what the Flames need to do to stay in a playoff spot.
ListenEpisode 312: Time To Move On From Darryl Sutter?
Posted on December 19, 2022
The Calgary Flames are now on a 5 game-losing streak, and this week the guys wrap up 2022 by trying to figure out what’s going on with the team right now and what they need to do better in the second half of the season. With the Calgary Flames still underperforming after 30 games, the guys have a serious discussion about what the issues with the team are and why they’re not living up to expectations. Could it be time to start looking at a different Head Coach for the Calgary Flames?
ListenEpisode 311: New Blood In The Lineup
Posted on December 12, 2022
The big news around the Calgary Flames this week was that the team made a pair of callups, bringing Matthew Phillips and Radim Zohorna up to the NHL roster while scratching Milan Lucic and sending Kevin Rooney to the AHL Calgary Wranglers. Joined by special guest Kevin Olenick from the Shifts and Pucks podcast the guys discuss what these call-ups mean for the Flames and what it’ll take for these players to stay in the NHL.
ListenEpisode 310: Wrangling The Wranglers
Posted on December 5, 2022
This week we’re joined by Mike Gould to get his takes on the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers and how that team is doing this season. Mike also gives us his thoughts on the question that’s been on everyone’s mind – who should (and who likely will) be the first recall from the Wranglers. Mike, Dan and Matt also discuss the goaltending, the Flames’ fourth line and who needs to be held more accountable.
ListenEpisode 309: The C of Red Is Getting Frusterated
Posted on November 28, 2022
We’re at the quarter point in the season and the C of Red is frustrated by the underperforming team. This week the guys answer questions from our listeners including if Dan Vladar should get more starts in the short term, and who the ideal linemates for Jonathan Huberdeau are. Plus, they revisit the question of who the best recall from the Calgary Wranglers to spark the team would be.
ListenEpisode 308: Is Adam Ruzicka For Real?
Posted on November 21, 2022
Another great week from Adam Ruzicka has the guys wondering if he could be the answer for the Flames need for a top 4 winger, or if he’s just on a hot streak right now. They also debate if the Flames have the right guys in the right spots on the lineup now or if they expect to see some more shuffling on the lines as the season goes on to find the right groupings.
ListenEpisode 307: Back In The Win Column
Posted on November 14, 2022
The Calgary Flames have finally snapped their 7 game losing streak with a big win over the Winnipeg Jets. The guys debate if this losing streak changes their outlook on the Flames season, and their chances to be a competitor for the Stanley Cup.
ListenEpisode 306: Time To Hit The Road
Posted on November 7, 2022
The Calgary Flames are now on a four-game losing streak as they head out on their first road trip of the season. The guys break down their thoughts on what went wrong this week, and how the Flames can rebound on their trip to the East Coast. With Michael Stone on the IR, Nick DeSimone and Dennis Gilbert have been recalled. The Flames’ blueline looks like it could be in trouble during this road trip. Dan and Matt discuss if Mackey’s poor play against New Jersey opens a spot on the blueline, and how badly they want Oliver Kylington back right now.
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