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 April 8, 2024

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 February 28, 2022

With the Flames win streak come to an end we saw Dillon Dube and Adam Ruzicka out of the lineup against Minnesota. The guys debate Dillon’s future in Calgary this season and beyond and if he fits a Darryl Sutter system. Then the guys look ahead to the March schedule and what the Flames have to do to get at least .500 in that month. Then we look even further ahead to the NHL Awards, and what players we think could be going home with hardware this year.

Posted on November 11, 2021

We discuss if Sean Monahan as a fourth-line centre is sustainable, and when does he get traded if he stays in that role? The Flames can’t keep up the pace they’re on so the guys discuss what is going to give first and where we see the cracks starting to form.  Plus, we give our thoughts on the Jack Eichel deal now that it’s all said and done. To end the show this week we look at how the Flames prospects in the AHL are doing so far this year.

Posted on February 1, 2021

Frustration with the team’s disappointing week leads to debating how to fix the flaws with this team and if it is time to make major changes to the Flames roster before their window of opportunity closes on the current core roster. The guys have different ideas of how to handle the Sam Bennett request for a ‘change of scenery’ and debate how they’d handle the scenario and what a reasonable return might be.

Posted on January 18, 2021

Two games into the season, and the Flames have 3 of a possible 4 points. The powerplay is clicking, Markstrom is giving the team excellent goaltending, Tanev is blocking shots, Mangiapane and Dube are playing hard…there is a lot to like about the Flames right now. Is it too good to be true? We break down the first two games for the Flames and look ahead to what the team needs to do to stay the course with this good start.

Posted on October 28, 2020

It’s late October and we should be talking about the Flames poor start to a season about now, but instead this episode is all about the NHL Entry Draft and free agency. What a weird year!

We recap what the Flames did at the draft table and if we think trading down twice to get Connor Zary was a good move or not. Then we discuss all the Flames who have come and gone in free agency and our thoughts on each move and where the players fit into the depth chart as well as an overall assessment of how the team looks for next season – whenever it starts.