Fireside Chat: Recent Episodes
Fireside Chat
We kick off our thirteenth season of the podcast by recapping the 2024 off season for the Calgary Flames. Who's coming? Who's going? The Flames have more NHL calibre bodies than they have roster spots, so our hosts predict who will make the NHL club out of training camp and who is most likely to be the first call-ups in each position.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We kick off the 11th season of our podcast recapping the Calgary Flames training camp and discussing who impressed and disappointed us, and what the opening day lineup might look like as a result and what holes need to be filled. We recap some of the recent contract signings for the team and then make some bold predictions for the 2022-2023 Calgary Flames season and how we think the team will do this year.
The Calgary Flames have made another big splash by signing Nazem Kadri to a $49 million dollar contract (the second highest in franchise history) and trading Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens to free up salary cap space. The guys discuss everything surrounding these two moves and answer the question if the Flames are better now than they were at the end of last season?
It's been an eventful off season for the Calgary Flames. On this episode Dan and Matt spend most of the episode discussing Johnny Gaudreau's departure and the situation regarding him notifying the organization last minute he wasn't coming back, and the big trade that swapped Matthew Tkachuck for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. Can the Flames be contenders with these aquisitions, or will this coming season be a rough one for the C of Red? The guys discuss these topics and more.
The Calgary Flames series has come to an end after a 4-1 second round series loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Game 5 ended in controversy with the Flames go-ahead goal by Blake Coleman being called back. Do the guys think that Coleman made a distinct kicking motion? We break down the Flames series and look ahead to what the Flames need to do this off-season and how this team could look different next season.
After three games, the Calgary Flames are behind in the Western Conference Semi-Final "Battle of Alberta" series 2-1. We have yet to see the Flames play their best hockey so far in the series. The guys discuss what the Flames need to do to get back into the series, and what it will take the Flames to win this round.
As well, the guys discuss the Flames AHL affiliate moving to Calgary. What are the benefits of this move and most importantly, where will the team play?
The Calgary Flames defeated the Dallas Stars in a nerve-wracking game 7 and are now moving onto face the Edmonton Oilers in the first post-season Battle of Alberta since 1991. This week the guys break down the first round series and look ahead to the Battle of Alberta. And don't forget this week's playoff anthem - an updated version of the classic In Da Dome anthem from '04.
Three games into their first round series, and the Calgary Flames find themselves down 2-1 to the Dallas Stars. The guys break down the first three games of the season and take a better look at just where the Flames are at in the series, and if it's time to panic or not.
The regular season is over, and the Calgary Flames are ready to kick off a playoff series against the Dallas Stars. This week the guys recap look back at their pre-season predictions to see how they did, and preview the Dallas Stars series and what we can expect from the first three games of the series.
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.
The Calgary Flames have officially clinched a playoff spot, and are now working to secure their #1 position in the Pacific Division. With only seven games left in the season, the guys discuss each of the Flames possible playoff opponents and what to expect from each one.
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.
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.
After an epic 9-5 Battle of Alberta win, the Calgary Flames cap off a good week that saw Sean Monahan scratched for two games. The guys discuss what they think Monahan's future as a Flame is, and if Ryan Carpenter made him redundant as well as some of the amazing milestones that Flames players achieved this week.
Then the guys look ahead to the tough week of games the Flames have ahead, and after seeing some changes to the lineup, how we'd utilize the forwards to put together our ideal "top 9".
The guys look back at the 2-2 week of Flames hockey and discuss if the Flames are playing down to their opponents as we've seen seen so often in the past, or this is just a rough week of games for the team. We recorded this episode on the eve of the NHL Trade Deadline 2022 with lots of Calgary Flames news to cover, including the Calle Jarnkrok trade and Brad Richardson being put on waivers and what that means for the team. Plus we discuss what the Flames still might attempt to pull off at the Trade Deadline.
This week the guys spend most of the show looking ahead to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 21 and what they think Brad Treliving needs to do to improve the Calgary Flames. Matt thinks this is the year to go all in to ensure a winner by acquiring players with term, and Dan wants to take a more cautious approach with rental players and wait to see what next year's contract situation looks like. But the one thing the guys can agree on is that bringing Mark Giordano back at the deadline is a bad idea - despite the popular opinion in the C of Red.
The Calgary Flames had an impressive week, beating two top teams in the Western Conference in the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche. The guys debate what this means for the Flames playoff chances and projections. Then we talk about if the Flames are using Tyler Toffoli as well as they could be, or if some lineup changes need to be made to get the most out of him. Then we wrap up the show talking about the Michael McNiven trade and what we think it means for the Flames leading up to the Trade Deadline.
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.
After the big Tyler Toffoli trade and three wins to put the team on a nine-game win streak, it's been a big week for the Flames! We recap the trade and if the Flames paid a reasonable price for Toffoli, this week's three wins and discuss if the Flames should name a captain before their playoff run this season, or stick with leadership by committee.
The Calgary Flames are riding high on a six game wining streak and everything seems to be looking good for the team right now. With Andrew Mangiapane, Blake Coleman and Mikael Backlund starting to heat up offensively, has it changed our preception on what the Flames need to do before the NHL Trade Deadline? And with Tyler Toffoli being rumoured to be of interest to the Calgary Flames - what would a reasonable return to aquire him and how would the team fit his long term contract into their salary cap going forward?
Matt is on the IR with an undisclosed upper body injury, so Dan is joined this week by Kevin Olenick of the Shifts and Pucks podcast to get Kevin's take on the Canucks trade rumours from last week, give some mid-season thoughts on the Calgary Flames and discuss if the scoring depth the Flames need can come from their farm team - which prompts Kevin to give us the #PlayPelletier hashtag.
We are less than two months away from the 2022 Trade Deadline and already rumours are swirling about players the Flames might be in on. The guys break down their thoughts on three players the Flames have been liked to - JT Miller, Conor Garland and Ben Chiarot, what the acquisition cost might be for each and if it'd be worth paying that price.
The Flames played two games this week and the guys break down both of them and give their thoughts on the big 7-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Dan has said for a while that you need to bring the right players up from Stockton to fill the right roles and the guys read an article from Ryan Pike breaking this down and what names should come up in what spots. Then the guys take a trip down memory lane as they look at the 21 former Calgary Flames who are heading to the 2022 Olympic Games.
The Flames are back in the Saddledome for an extended run of games at home and after a big 5-1 win against the Panthers, the Flames look to be back in the saddle and we'll see if they can build on the momentum. In this episode we discuss what the Flames need to do in February to get back to the top of the Pacific Division, and some ideas to change the All Star game and make it more relevant in the modern day.
The Flames haven't played their "A" game since before the Christmas pause. The guys debare if we're seeing the team slumping, or regressing to the what they are going to be this year? One of the biggest news items this week is that the Calgary Flames have reportedly been in talks with Evander Kane. The guys debate if Evander Kane is an asset worth taking a gable on this season to improve the line up without giving anything up? Can the Flames fix their lineup with callups from the Stockton Heat, or do they need to trade their way to fixes, and if they do what do they have to give up to do so? We answer these questions and more while we look ahead to the Trade Deadline and what changes we might make before then.
The majority of the Flames roster out of action due to COVID-19, the team lost one game last week and will be out of action for the foreseeable future. This week we discuss what this means for the team and how their season may be impacted.
There will be no show next week. We don't know when we'll be back for our next episode - it depends on the Calgary Flames schedule changes. Stay tuned!
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?
With the recent news that Juuso Valimaki is waiver exempt (despite what we previously thought) the main discussion this week revolves around what the team should do with Valimaki - send him to the Stockton Heat, or keep him in the NHL to fight his way back into the lineup.
At the 20 game mark (one third of the season), the Calgary Flames are #1 in the Western Conference, and tied for #1 in the league. The guys try to answer one big question this episode in this episode. Have the Flames been lucky and got themselves off to a start that we can expect to see level off, or is this year's Flames team really a goods team and realizing their potential?
Our regular co-host Matt is out this week so Dan is joined by Mike Gould and Kevin Olenick to discuss the first part of the Flames seven-game road trip, and if we're starting to see what the Calgary Flames really are this year, and how to solve some of the problems that are emerging. Plus we discuss Oliver Kylington's emergence and what it could mean for Juuso Valimaki, possible trades to strengthen the lineup and what the asking price for these trades might be.