Posted on August 31, 2024 (Season 12)

On the evening of August 30, we joined our friend Kevin Olenick from the Shifts and Pucks podcast to remember Johnny Gaudreau, share our memories, discuss his passing, and discuss ways to memorialize him in Calgary. We encourage our fans to share their memories of Johnny Hockey. Feel free to leave a comment on FiresideChat.ca or any of our social media channels so we can all remember the Gaudreau brothers together.

Posted on July 1, 2024 (Live Show) | (Season 12)

This week’s show was recorded live on June 28, 2024 during the first round of the 2024 Entry Draft.We disucss not only the draft but the Mangiapane and Markstrom trades, Brad Larsen being hired as a coach and more. This show will sound different than you’re used to. We are still trying to get our setup all figured out for recording live shows and we learned a lot during this one, which we’ll apply next time to make it even better.

Posted on June 16, 2024 (Season 12)

Heading into the NHL 2024 Entry Draft, Dan and Matt look ahead to the players that they think the Calgary Flames will take with the #9 and #28 picks. With all the talk about Tij Iginla leading up to the draft, the guys discuss if he’s the right pick to make if available and who the Flames should target if he’s not.

We’ll be hosting our first live show at Bow River Brewing on June 28th during the NHL Entry Draft. During this show, we’ll have an open mic to get allow fans to chat with us and have their say during the show! Be there with us for all the picks, trades and Flames happenings on draft day.

Posted on April 22, 2024 (Season 12)

The first season of the Calgary Flames retool is in the books. This season the guys break down the exit interviews from the Flames and what information we can gain from them (or from reading between the lines). As they do at the end of every season, Dan and Matt review the season predictions that they made in the pre-season to see how well they did.

This will be the last show on our regular Monday release schedule. We’ll be back to preview the NHL Entry Draft in mid to late June, follow our social media accounts for an announcement as to when the next show will be.

Posted on April 15, 2024 (Season 12)

The Calgary Flames had a pretty successful week, even though they didn’t play very well in most games. If the NHL Entry Draft was today, the Flames would likely pick at #8. The guys discuss the good weeks for Andrei Kuzmenko and Connor Zary and answer a question from listener Al about how the decisions that have been made by the team in the past that have lead the team to where they are now.

Posted on April 8, 2024 (Season 12)

Even with the three losses this week, there was still plenty to discuss about the Calgary Flames including where they may pick in the draft, whether Connor Zary can be the #3 Centre the team needs, whether Martin Pospisil’s third misconduct in two months is worrisome, and what the workload for the two goalies should be for the rest of the season.

Posted on April 1, 2024 (Season 12)

It’s been a busy 5 game week for the Flames, but they’ve finally clinched a spot in the 2004 playoffs! The guys look at possible playoff matchups and who we do or don’t want the Flames to take on. We discuss the season Shean Donovan is having and how some of the young guys like Kobasew, Lombardi, Saprykin, Regher and Leopold are looking and other important topics leading up to the final few games of the regular season.

APRIL FOOLS! We’ve wanted to do this episode for a while, and with April Fools’ Day landing on a Monday on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 run, it was the perfect time. We hope you enjoyed a trip down memory lane. We’ll be back with a regular episode (covering 2024) next week.

Posted on March 25, 2024 (Season 12)

This week Jacob Markstrom returned from his injury, but Dan Vladar is out for the season with a hip injury. With Markstrom/Wolf as the tandem for the rest of the season, what do we expect the workload to look like? The guys also discuss an interview that Craig Conroy did with Frank Seravalli this week and what the GM’s comments mean for the future of the Flames.

Former Flame Chris Simon passed away this week at age 52. The entire Fireside Chat team sends our deepest sympathies to Chris’ family and friends. Chris was a big part of the ’04 Stanley Cup run and is fondly remembered by our team and the C of Red.

Posted on March 18, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on March 12, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on March 4, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on February 26, 2024 (Season 12)

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).

Posted on February 19, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on February 12, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on February 5, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on January 29, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on January 22, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on January 15, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on January 8, 2024 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on December 18, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on December 11, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on December 4, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on November 27, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on November 20, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on November 13, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on November 6, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on October 30, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on October 23, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on October 18, 2023 (Season 12)

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?

Posted on October 9, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on October 2, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on September 25, 2023 (Season 12)

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.

Posted on September 18, 2023 (Season 12)

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.