Posted on April 22, 2024

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 March 25, 2024

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

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

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 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Posted on October 31, 2022

The Calgary Flames are off to the best start in franchise history, as they are 5-2 at the end of October.  Has a long home stand to open the season helped the team or hurt them? And what does November have in store? We answer these questions and more including a listener question about Connor McDavid and if he’s what stands between the Flames and the Stanley Cup this season.

Posted on October 24, 2022

The Calgary Flames are off to a 4-1 start to the season and our hosts have the most optimism they’ve had in a long time. The guys recap the last week of Flames games and if they’re worried about Jacob Markstrom. Dan Vladar’s new contract has received mixed reactions from Flames fans but our hosts think it’s a great deal and gives the Flames a lot of options for the future.  Then Dan and Matt give their thoughts on the Flames reverse retro jersey ‘black pedestal jersey’ and what major change Dan thinks should be made, plus an surprising old Flames player Matt got put on his jersey.

Posted on October 17, 2022

The Calgary Flames are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2009. With big wins over the Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalance, and the Edmonton Oilers this week the guys discuss their impressions of the Flames in these first two games including the play of Dan Vladar and Michael Stone.

Posted on April 25, 2022

The Calgary Flames have clinched the #1 spot in the Pacific Division and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With only three games left in the season, the guys revisit who they want the Flames to play in round 1 – the Nashville Predators or the Dallas Stars and which Calgary Flames depth player could be the x-factor for the team in the playoffs. The guys also discuss if the Flames are utilizing their middle 6 forwards in the most ideal lines or if changes need to be made before the playoffs. And we end the show by answering two fan questions.

Posted on April 11, 2022

The Calgary Flames bounced back from their losing streak by sweeping the California road trip for the fist time in franchise history, and capping off the trip with a win in Seattle. Now solidly in the lead in the Pacific Division with only 10 games left in the season and only four of those games against teams currently in a playoff spot, the guys will discuss what we can expect for the remainder of the season and how different players might be utilized.

Posted on April 4, 2022

The Calgary Flames have lost three games in a row, which is the most they’ve lost in a row since January. The guys discuss if the team has looked bad, or just made costly mistakes and what they’ll need to do on the upcoming weeklong road trip to remedy this.

Posted on December 9, 2021

After a rough road trip for the Flames, the guys discuss what the team needs to do to keep their good season going when they return home and debate what the upside of Dillon Dube is and where he fits into the lineup long term. With Adam Ruzicka drawing into the lineup the guys chat about what other young players might get a callup and why the AHL stars might not be the right guys to bring up now. Plus, coming back to last week’s Juuso Valimaki discussion and his recent call up, do we expect him in the lineup? And is this call up permanent?

Posted on October 28, 2021

The Flames are riding high in a four-game win streak on the road which has put them second in the Pacific Division. The Flames usually start the season poorly and the team didn’t have a four-game win streak all last year, so we discuss what has changed and what the team will need to do to continue this success.

Posted on October 2, 2021

The Calgary Flames are in the middle of their 8 game exhibition schedule prior to the 2021-2022 season kicking off. The team has a new look this year with the departure of Mark Giordano and the additions of Blake Coleman, Nikita Zadorov and others but the team still feels like it’s missing a piece or two. We give our thoughts on all the new additions and where they fit into the lineup as well as try to predict who will and won’t be in the lineup on opening day. We have questions about the roster and how good this team is and if they’ll be a good team this year, or a good team only in a weaker Pacific Division?