The Top Deadline Destinations for Flames Players!

0:00At the center and coming in as Lulep, going back center then, at the scores! And the McDonalds! And over to that flame fan, there's all dreams of excitement going on there. Score! Roll the highlight reel. Six to nothing flame. Aircraft put it in the wind, bro! Yeah, baby, yeah, baby! This is Flamestock, with Fat Steinberg and Logan Gordon. Brought to you by Mr. Loop, plus Tires. On SportsNet, 960 The Fan. Flamestock brought to you by Mr. Loop, plus Tires. This is not a limited time offer. Visit Mr. Loop, plus Tires for a fast oil change. Service or winter tire swap performed at the speed of life. It is Monday, March 2nd, to welcome a board. Flamestock's underway from our downtown studio. It's a Sultry Steinberg and Logan Gordon along with you. On Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Seeker, or wherever you get your podcast.

1:05How am I sounding over there? Sultry? Kind of, yeah. Enough already. Welcome to The Sports Drive. Brought to you by Smart Multi-Family, from Access Control and Cameras, to Smart Sweets, Thermostats, and Locks. Everything runs on one seamless platform, complexity out, simplicity in, we're available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Seeker, or wherever you get your podcast. Thanks for being along with us. Welcome to March and welcome to Trade Deadline Week. This is Trade Deadline Week. We are now less than four weeks away from Friday's 1pm deadline. Of course, we'll have wall-to-wall live coverage for you here on SportsNet, 960 The Fan, and all kinds of podcast coverage for you on the Flames Talk podcast feed, looking forward to Deadline Day. Flames have numerous potential trade pieces that we could see moved between now and then, and one thing we know is there will be lots of discussion

2:07surrounding this team up until then. Whether that means there will be multiple and tons of trades made, that we don't know. But we do know that the Flames are going to be one of the teams that is buzzed about most over the next 96 hours or so. They are going to be at the forefront of the news, and you can't really escape that if you're the Flames at this point. No, they're pretty much on every trade board, and every insider has at least something on one of, if not multiple members of this team. It probably winds up with it being a in some way, shape or form, newsworthy week for the team. I don't know if there's any doubt about that, and because it's this time of year, we thought we would kick off this hour, coming up with a top destination. Each of us will give a top destination for, we're going to use six players here. We're going to not use Zach White Cloud, and I'm only taking them out of it just because I think he is the guy

3:09who has the least chance of being traded. Now again, I don't think there's anybody untouchable right now outside of the obvious ones. You know, Wolf and Perreck and Rashney and Grinotto. I think those guys are on the, you know, do not fly list. But, you know, I think that the idea is they'd like to keep White Cloud if there's a deal that knocks their socks off. Then I think that that can always change. All it takes is one phone call, but I really do think that they see White Cloud as a really important piece going forward. And as such, I think they would have to take a really, really, really impressive deal for them to get to move off of him. But if that were to happen, then I think they would be, you know, open to doing that because sometimes deals, you just can't pass up. And so if a team that really, really wants a right shot defender that brings what he brings, he's willing to give up the farm for him. Then obviously you have to consider it. But we've got six guys.

4:12And each of us are going to come up with kind of the top destination for that player. And see, we have not pre-ordained this. No, and so could be some duplicates, could be some ones that we're on the same page with. But I'm really curious to see what we're thinking on these ones. You're ready to rock and roll. I'm ready. Let's do it. Let's start with the guy who I think we all believe has the best opportunity of getting trade. Logo, you go first. Who is your top trade destination for number 20 Blake Coleman? My top trade destination for Blake Coleman, Pat, the Tampa Bay Lightning. I think a reunion makes a whole lot of sense, given that the Tampa Bay Lightning haven't really made that big splash that we know they're capable of. Normally they're capable, but they're not afraid to make. When they feel like they're contending, excuse me, contendo window, contending window is open.

5:12They're not afraid to make big swings. And before I still think with Nikita Kutcheroff, Braden Point, Brandon Hagle, Victor Hathman, Vasil Eski, I still think their window is wide open. And especially in a year where the Florida Panthers might not make the playoffs, Pat, I think Tampa Bay probably looks at this and goes the chance for us to get back on top, back being the top dog in the Eastern Conference. So I could see them making a swing for Blake Coleman. They've got Yoni Gord, who was part of that great line for them during those Stanley Cup wins. I could see them trying to recreate that third line again with Blake Coleman. And I think they have some interesting ones as a guy that you've talked about a fair amount in terms of, you know, Connor Geeky is perhaps a guy that might interest the flames on the other side. You know, Sam O'Reilly is a guy that's in their system too. Maybe there's a draft pick that they could make it work. So I just, I keep thinking about if I was Tampa Bay,

6:14I'd really like to bring that guy back in. You know, that is the, that would be the number one for me as well. And I would, a lot of times I'd just say, you know what, that's that. But I, I think Coleman, it would be, we'd be pretty lazy if we only came up with one team. I think Tampa Bay is right at the top for me as well. Here's one team that I think could be a sleeper destination for him. The Buffalo Sabers. Oh. The Sabers are finally good. It has taken 726 years. But the Buffalo Sabers are finally relevant. It's been 84 years. Like they might win their division. They're only four back of Tampa Bay as it stands right now. They are going to the playoffs. They have, if they don't have superstar players,

7:16they have star players. Yeah. They've got Tej Thompson. They've got Rasmus Thaline. You know, this is a very, very good team. And it's, it's finally happening for them. And when you have been rebuilding, rebuilding, rebuilding, rebuilding and rebuilding for as long as they've been, and we're approaching a decade and a half out of the playoffs in a league where that is unheard of, I think that for a city that wants to love their team as much as Buffalo does, I think you want to make some moves. And I think you want to maximize this. And I think Coleman would be an incredible fit in Buffalo right now. I think he'd be an upgrade on some of the wingers that they have as it stands right now to really, I think solidify things. And I think he'd be a perfect fit there. So, you know, put him on a line with the, the Norris line, put him on them a cloud line.

8:16I think Coleman would be a great fit in Buffalo. So I have, Tampa is my number one. And boy, would Connor geek, he'd be a great return. But yeah, I'm going to go, I'm going to go Buffalo as an alternate spot for him to go. I don't mind that. I have Buffalo for another player on my list. Ooh, I like that. I like that a lot. Okay. Um, Nazim Kodry. Where are you going with Kodry? Uh, for Nazim Kodry, look, there's been a lot of, um, talk with, hey, I think Colorado makes a lot of sense. Recently, I don't discredit that. I think Dallas would be smart to get into this one as well. But I'm actually going to go, um, in a similar vein to you, a team that hasn't been in the playoffs in a while. But it's looking to get back there. And I think could use the boost. Uh, I've heard this team talked about for center a lot. And I think they could use it. I actually think Pat the Detroit Red Wings. Huh.

9:16Could be the top spot for Nazim Kodry. Um, I know we heard a lot about Minnesota and Dallas and in Colorado. And I don't just count any of those. But I keep, you know, every down the here, oh, you know, they're around the center. I know Patterson's been a guy that's been mentioned. I don't know if I want to take that risk if I'm Steve Iserman. You know, I know they have some really good, they have a really strong Swedish base in Detroit. So I get why maybe they feels like that's a soft landing spot and a change of scenery. But Pat wouldn't Nazim Kodry slide in an awful lot better on the second line in Detroit, instead of Andrew cop. Right now. It's running the Larkin cop Comfer Casper down the middle. If you could put Nazim Kodry between to bring it and Raymond. I like the Detroit Red Wings. A hell of a lot more. Then I do right now is currently constructed.

10:16They're also said to get back into the postseason. Yeah. Same spot as Buffalo with one more game played. I think they're very likely if not almost a shoeing to get in right now. They have a big, big amount of draft picks and talent already in the organization. And most importantly, Pat, when it comes to the Kodry camp and why I think this works the most, they have the cap space to make it work. Well, I appreciate the Dallas conversation seen with Colorado and Minnesota. I think those are all very possible places for him to wind up. But I don't know how the money works. Detroit. It's a different scenario. They can make it work. And if they want to add a vet right now, it's going to help them this season in a pretty wide open east. It wouldn't hate Kodry. I look, I've heard all the Colorado buzz as well. I didn't call her out of will. Find a way to bring a center in. But I mean, they don't need a number two center. They need a number three center. And, and look,

11:16maybe they look at Nas and say, you know what, Brock Nelson, Nasim Kodry, two A, two B, whatever way you want to look at it. We want Kodry back. And, and maybe they're willing to pay for it. But it feels like, I mean, we've heard Scott Lotton link there. Doesn't sound like Tro check would go to Colorado because it's too far west. You know, I've, like I, if Colorado is looking for a number three center, is Kodry that guy? Like, would you be looking at a frost over a Kodry? If you're looking at Calgary centers, if you're Colorado. And, and maybe frost isn't the type of guy they're looking for because, you know, he profiles is more of an offensive guy. Maybe they're looking at more of a two way guy. I don't know. I'm just saying, is, is Colorado willing to take on the three years? For a guy, and pay the assets that Calgary should justifiably be looking for, for a guy that they're looking to fill their number three. They've got to kill McCart extension to worry about in Colorado. And that's just hit, right? Like, they need to keep themselves flexible,

12:18which is why a shorter term deal might make sense. Like, I know that Ryan O'Reilly is like, well, I wouldn't mind staying in Nashville. You think it's old stomping grounds? One of them comes the team that drafted him, comes calling and says, we see Ryan O'Reilly as our number three center to go take a, take a run at winning a Stanley Cup. Yeah, I feel like O'Reilly might waive to go to Colorado. And I feel like that, that type of deal maybe makes more sense, long, long story short, Minnesota for, for NICE. I just, they are sorely lacking in that position. I love Joelle Erickson. I think he's a great hockey player. And, and I think that he is, you know, one of the most important players on that team. But, like, you need somebody else, and Ryan Hartman is a number three center. Nazum Kadri is an upgrade on Ryan Hartman all day, every day. If you could be going Erickson at Kadri Hartman down the middle, well, all of a sudden, Minnesota looks that much more dangerous. They've already made the blockbuster deal to bring in an elite player

13:22in Queen Hughes. They only have Hughes guaranteed until next season, or at the end of next season. Maybe he signs there, maybe he doesn't. I just feel like Minnesota needs to make a significant splash. So, I'm going Minnesota for Nazum Kadri. Yeah, I agree. Minnesota needs to do something. I still make the Hughes deal 10 times out of 10 if I'm Minnesota. Like, I'll pay that price. Oh, for sure. Every day, but it has left them thin down the middle. And it is something that Bill Garen has to address heading into the playoffs. Maybe a little bit less time on some of these. But, here's, I'm going Vegas Golden Knights on Brady. I almost went there. I almost went there. Okay. I just feel like they's not here. They know him. They still could use some depth on the right side. And they could still use some. Look, Vegas is a team that. I think they're going to make the playoffs.

14:22But, you know, right now, if they could have Paul as their number three right side, a number four right side D, I may be pretty happy. And, you know, a guy that if an Anderson gets hurt or a Theodore gets hurt or a Korsak gets hurt, they can move in and they know him. He knows them. And they need defensive depth. And they're not getting Patrangelo back this year. So. Ever. I think that I think that Paul would be a great fit in Vegas. So, number two fit here. I went with Dallas for Brady and Behal. Okay. Very similar situation where I know the right side is not super locked down. I think Dallas would like to add a piece bigger than Brady and Behal. Like, we, you know, they were in on the Rasmus conversation for a very long time. Sounds like they're banging on the doors and Vancouver on Tyler Myers.

15:22So that makes sense. So I'm not saying this would be their only move to fill in. But I think Dallas has learned the lesson, Pat, that again, you can't go in hoping for a long playoff run without having some backup options. And that's where they're finished at is on that right side. So. I think getting Behal helps fill that void for them and gives them a big physical shutdown. Kind of D not going to be a super expensive acquisition cost for them. But also gives me a guy can play some minutes and it's a good depth option for them. If they need to do something in an injury pops up during the post season. I went Dallas for Joel Hanley. You were a union bill. Yeah, I did. I just again, they know them. They were sad to lose them. They understood why they lost them on waivers. But again, the stars could use some defensive depth. They need a right side shot. Like they, they, they need that.

16:22They need somebody beyond hastening on their right side. However, that's why they were so interested for so long in Rasmus Anderson. It's why Tyler Myers makes a lot of sense. It's why they will probably be linked to other potential right side defenseman that are on the market. But I also think they just need defensive depth. And look, Joel Hanley is a perfect depth piece on any team that's going to the playoffs. Is he an everyday guy on a Stanley Cup winning blue line? Maybe not. But he is a great teammate. He is a hard worker. He is the type of guy at this stage in his career that maybe hasn't played for three weeks. Can step in and be just fine and look like he hasn't missed a beat. I think, you know, especially for a team that knows him as well as the stars do. And for a guy that was such a well-liked teammate for as long as he was in Dallas for. I think Hanley and the stars would be a really good mix.

17:25Buffalo was my destination for Joel Hanley. Very much, I think, going to be in playoff acquisition mode in Buffalo. And I don't think you could have enough of a guy like Joel Hanley if you were Buffalo. Just a guy that can play anytime you need him. There's things that you said about being a good character guy. A guy that isn't going to be causing a fuss if he isn't in for a little bit. But also can jump into your lineup at any given point. You know, Buffalo hasn't been in the post season in a long time. And I think they could use a name back there that they can trust. I know Lindy Ruff would probably love to have a guy like Joel Hanley around to help with some of those youngsters. And you think of Sam Wilson, you think of power, you think of Don Lee. And these are all still really young guys. Joel Hanley, I think, would be a magnificent depth ad for Buffalo heading into the post season. Which way would you go? What's a good spot for Ryan Lomburg? I used another one of yours. I went Minnesota for Ryan Lomburg.

18:28I think that he fits their style. When I think of Minnesota and I think of some of the traits of some of their bigger guys down there. I mean, I like to punish you a little bit, right? I think of Marcus Felino and some of the guys like in those physical series that they're going to see. I think Ryan Lomburg could be a guy that fits in well to the state of hockey. I selfishly like the Ryan stays. But if he was going to go chase a cup this spring, I think Minnesota would be a really good spot for him. I cheated on this one. You said Florida. Nope. Calgary. Calgary. I thought a lot about this. And I knowing that we were probably going to do this segment on a Sunday night. When Lomburg was our guest on Flamestock, post came and willsy chatted with him in Anaheim. And just asked him about how nerve wracking trade deadline time can be. And listen to listen to Lomburg's response and goes hand at hand with what he said to Eric Francis.

19:31That's what he wrote on Friday at sports. That dot C.A. Listen to Ryan Lomburg from Sunday night for myself more now than it has ever has been. But it is where it is. I love I love the city of Calgary. I love the people. I love everybody in this organization. You know, I it's going to work out the way it works out. You know, I would love to help the steam win in the future. So we'll see how it goes. So I cheated. Stay here. You. If I knew we were allowed to cheat, I would have said the same thing. I was wondering if you were going to. So I was I was ready to play that clip regardless. Now he's going to give it to me. Now I'm shipping him out. I don't think he's listening. So I think you're good. And I did trick you so. Yeah. I'd be fine playing the game under the rules Minnesota. If you get I can break the rules like Pat Calgary. Yeah. I feel like I've. Earned a leeway to break the rules on this show.

20:32It's fair. I like it. Look, if you get a third round pick for Longberg and you move them. Then yeah, I understand that. If you're only getting late round picks for them, I don't think you need to move that guy. And I think you could sign them to a one year contract in the summertime and keep him here. He wants to stay here. He's a. He wants to be a leader on a young team. He wants to be a guy that helps move this thing forward. I think there's value in that. And I honestly don't think he's blocking anybody. No. As as a four fine left wing 12 13th forward type guy. I really don't. Um, I don't think McKenzie weekers getting traded. But, uh, if he were and I won't cheat on this one. Um, I say Detroit for McKenzie we. Okay. Yeah. I still think it's auto law. Yeah. They've just been. So enamored. And. I don't know. There's a couple of pieces in Ottawa. I, you know, I, I feel like Steve Steyos after last year getting to the playoffs and sometimes

21:36the noise that sits around that I think they could really use a right shot. Do you like McKenzie weger to pair up with a Sanderson or a Shabbat? I mean, we hear we've heard Ottawa so much. It's Detroit or Ottawa for me. I just think Detroit very similar to your reasoning earlier. Um, when we were talking about cadre. I think that they, they need to make a big move as well. And I just think that he'd be a really, really good fit there. Yeah. No, I don't, I don't disagree. Either one of those makes sense. Those are the two teams that we've kind of heard the most. So I, maybe there's somebody else lurking there, but I don't know one that makes more sense right now. Well, I have news for you. I talked more about the trade deadline between now and Friday's trade deadline. Does that seem like a safe assumption? Yeah, probably. Yeah, probably true. And we will have wall to wall coverage for you of the 2026 trade deadline on Friday. Brought to you by our three great sponsors, including all kind doors. Visit all kind door services.com.

22:37Doors that work, people, you trust. This is Flamestock. Join the conversation at 9.6960. Sports net 9.60 the fan. Flamestock's brought to you by Mr. Loub Plus Tires. This is not a limited time offer. Visit Mr. Loub Plus Tires for a fast oil change. Service or winter tire swap. Performed at the speed of light. It is Pat Steinberg and Logan Gordon along with you on this Monday edition of the program. We say hello to the color voice of the Calgary flames. Let's talk about with our friend Megan Mikkelson. Megan Mikkelson joins us every Monday brought to you by hearth and home fireplace. Whether gathering for a game night or enjoying some me time. Heart and home brings the heat love and family. Heart and home visit hearth and home fireplace dot com. Hello, Mick. How are we doing? Hey Pat. I'm doing good.

23:37Yeah. Can't complain. It's the usual here around the. Mikkelson Reed household and. Pack and lodges and cooking dinner and laundry and all the things. What's for dinner on Monday? We all we made like a like a sausage. Roasted potato roasted vegetable type of of dish. So it was a bit of a mismatch, but it was it was really good. Good to hear. Yeah. Nice to have a meal at home. The, uh, the Mikkelson Reed household eats earlier than the Steinberg household. How's that much? Yeah. Well, this is because the kids kids are off to hockey. So. Yeah. Yeah. That is fair. Um. Hey, you know, we even even when we spoke last week. You know, the first thing that. You said when I asked you like, Hey, what are some of the things that you're looking for? As we restart the season, you said, I'm just fascinated to see what the trade deadline brings and. And how this all plays itself out for the flames.

24:38And now it's trade deadline week. We are less than four days away from the trade deadline. And that was something hanging over the team all throughout this three game trip. They just completed on Sunday night. I'm just curious like. How much do we, how much do we think that this limbo knowing there are so many potential veterans. In limbo, like how much do we think that is affecting the team, especially now that the trade freeze has been lifted and the trade deadline is is really upon us now. Well, judging by the way that they played last night, I mean, it didn't really seem to affect them at all. I thought the flames played really, really well in Anaheim, a pretty solid game in LA as well, just couldn't score and. I was, you know, shook the rust off and came away with a win in San Jose. But yeah, based on yesterday, I would say that of course and guys are asked about it and have been asked about it.

25:38It weighs heavily on you at this time of year. And I remember like my brother played the NHL and him going through the trade deadline. You know, when he was in the league and just how hard that wasn't how stressful it is and how it just weighs on you. I mean, there are players that, you know, they they're probably pretty comfortable in knowing that they're not going anywhere based on conversations that they have with coaches and management or whatever. But I feel like for this team in particular, like there's just so much kind of up in the air in terms of, you know, who they're going to move. I've seen and talked about Blake Coleman a ton. Now, there's a, you know, a lot of buzz around, you know, more talk around novel and cadre and then you look at the back end and think that, you know, who's going to get moved back there. If it's Joel Hanley or Brain Pahal or, you know, feels like Zach White Cloud is going to say, but I mean, you never know. I just considering the fact that, you know, the flames have said like they're they're open for business and feel like they're kind of in a situation where if Craig Conroy is presented with, you know, an offer that even if it's for a player that we haven't seen their name floated out there that, you know, he's open to conversations.

26:56So I think that just the fact that there's so much uncertainty around it. You know, that that's stressful for sure. And, you know, I know also, you know, players being asked about it, like if you are not pretty comfortable in knowing that you're staying, then you just you literally never know like Blake Coleman being a guy. Like in times where he thought he was, you know, going to be moved and wasn't and then the opposite didn't think he was going to be moved and then, you know, was talked about. So I feel like for these players, you just considering where the team is at and the uncertainty around it like that has to weigh heavily on you because it's not just you as a player and how it impacts the team. Like these guys have families, you know, they're close with players on the team. They're some of your best friends. So it doesn't just impact you. It it impacts and potentially uproots your entire life. So it's, I mean, it's tough. I was, you know, I think back to and, you know, I haven't been a part of a trade deadline myself.

28:01Obviously, but even when, you know, we were coming up close to the deadlines where they would name national teams and you know that there's they would give us a specific date. They would say, you know, by this time on this day, you're going to get a phone call and the team will be named and it was like any three or four days before, you know, that date and time. The phone call could come any time. And so it's super stressful and I would just always approach it as you just take things one day at a time. You wake up every single morning, you go about your business, you do the same thing because you can't become super fixated on it or too stressed about it because it's, I mean, you're miserable. And you can't do what you need to do with, you know, train, practice, play, whatever it is. So, you know, I think for these guys, it's, you know, probably this week, it's, you know, just get through every single day. Show up every single day, go about your business and then whatever happens happens. But yeah, I was thinking about that yesterday, actually, Pat, and it's funny that you sent it as a topic. It's like, well, if it is stressing them out, you sure can tell Anaheim yesterday. So kudos to them.

29:15It certainly didn't affect their play. And maybe it's because they've got some veterans on the team that understand what that feeling is like, but it still can't be easy. And, you know, they've got a couple of games this week, Mick that are going to be, you know, of their main focus. But it has to be tough for, for anybody. And it's not just the guys that we talk about. I mean, there are lots of guys down the roster, even if you don't feel like you're likely to be traded. I'm sure that still weighs on you, because you just never know what can happen. And that's not, you know, we talk about people being creatures of habit, especially athletes and, and routine. And then all of a sudden you have all these feelings that, you know, the all that could change in the span of a phone call. It feels like it's probably one of the tougher weeks of the season, especially for Calgary, where you know where this team is going. And you know, they're not likely to be bringing guys in. It's more likely guys are on their way out. Well, and, and Mick, the, the really interesting thing for me. I mean, we've all been in spots where, you know, we've, we've had potential distractions that are hanging over us, whether it's, it's playing as a, as a high level athlete or, or not. And, you know, I look at Nazim Codrian and the three games that he's played coming out of this Olympic break. It sure does feel like the trade buzz and speculation surrounding him has not only been.

30:42The water off his back, but it also feels like maybe it's, it's driving him a little bit because he has been a driver for this team in the three games they've been back. And, and, and you know this like you've, you had your way of dealing with distractions and you had teammates who probably dealt with it very differently than you did like everybody kind of goes about these things a little bit differently, don't they? Yeah, and I mean, that can impact your, your behavior as well and just kind of how you show up. I think you also give other players around you and people around you show them a little bit of grace too and knowing that like this is not a normal week. You know, so if somebody seems a little bit stressed out, it's probably because, because they are. So, you know, you, you try to be a good teammate as well. I think in those situations, I don't know though that I've ever seen someone like if this is hanging over Nazim Codrian's head, I don't know that I've ever seen a player go out and play the way that he has.

31:44You know, if it is hanging over his head or if it is stressing him out like, you know, the way that he just elevates his game and just ramps right up. It's like the higher the pressure, the higher the stakes, the better he plays and the more he shows up. So, I mean, that's a, that's a big selling point as well. Like if you're a tough contender and you're wanting a player that is going to be able to show up in the biggest moments. You know that that guy is Nazim Codrian. So, I feel like he's, he's something special when you think about all of that. And if it is, you know, hanging over his head, the fact that he elevates his game the way that he does the higher the pressure, I just think it's super impressive. I agree 100% that guy's a gamer and another example of the many examples we've seen of that guy being a gamer here coming out of the Olympic break. Megan Mikkelsen is with us. It's a Steinberg and Logan Gordon on this Monday edition of Flames Talk kind of touched on it a little bit their friends, but like, how would we sum up Calgary's three games coming out of the break?

32:54Yeah, I mean, you could tell in San Jose that they were rusty, but I mean, when you haven't played a game in three weeks. You know, I think like for me as a player, when you hadn't played it a while, I would always give myself the first period to kind of feel things out. And I know that you don't really have that luxury when you're trying to win hockey games in this league. But I think if you approach it kind of with that mindset as a player and just knowing that, you know, your execution's going to be a little bit off just in terms of like your reads and your timing as well. And I would say that's particularly hard against a team like the San Jose Sharks who plays with so much speed, like, and they came out of the gate flying. So, you know, I think for the Flames, you give them that first period in those 20 minutes to figure things out and just to shake the rust off. And then I feel like they built their game from there and, you know, that game to meet three very different hockey games coming out of the break as well.

33:56The game against the Sharks. I don't think the Flames were very good in the first period. And then, you know, we're very opportunistic and we're able to capitalize on come away with a four one win against the Sharks. So that was a, you know, a story of they didn't play a complete game, but they found a way to score four goals and ended up winning the hockey game. And, you know, one of my biggest takeaways from those first two games as well as the play of Dustin Wolf. And, you know, I think that the game against the Sharks for me, and I know I've mentioned it to you, Pat. That was to me. Maybe one of his best games of the season, like he was just, he was super dialed in, which for me. And that was something I talked to Jason LeBarber about before the game in San Jose. I said, hey, like, is it, do you feel like it's harder for goal tenders versus skaters? When you've had that much time off, is it harder for goalies to be sharp right out of the gate? And he said absolutely. So I talked to Scott about it. My husband, who's a former professional goal tender. And he said the same thing. I could just, it's different for goalies.

35:02So for Dustin Wolf to come out of a three week break. I think he went on a cruise in Mexico. And then obviously came back and had that week of practices with the Flames. But for him, and being a goal tender as well, to have those two games right out of the break. And he said that his goal is to, you know, get his, his play back up to, you know, a level that he, he knows he can play it. And he wasn't happy with a lot of stretches before the break. And earlier on in the season, you look at those two games. And I feel like he's, he's set the bar for this last stretch. So that was a big takeaway for me. Yeah, against L.A. Just couldn't find a way to score goals. And, and I mean, I mean, that's, that's happened over the course of the season, something that happens. Maybe a bit, a bit too frequently with this team, but that's because they don't have the, you know, that elite goal score. So, you know, that was that they also, you know, ran into a pretty hot goal tender as well.

36:03And then the game against the docs, like that game yesterday was one of the most fun games to call all season, like the chances that at both ends of the ice. And I feel like, you know, that to me was impressive from a Flames standpoint, because you're on the second half of a back to back. You're playing against an Anaheim Ducks team that is just absolutely rolling going into that game. They had won 11 of 13 with the shootout when they extend their win streak to five games. So team that was more rested and coming in hot and have been really good on home ice as well. And I feel like the Flames, they went toe to toe with them and a lot of times in the game, you know, they were the ones that were controlling and dictating the play. So, this is a team though that you don't want to go into overtime or into a shootout with just because of the success that they had. I think the staff master, my broadcast partner will see there. He had some pretty crazy staff.

37:03I believe the Anaheim Ducks undefeated in the shootout this season. So, and you could tell by the moves that were made, there's three shooters in that shootout. The reasons why they're undefeated in the shootout. So, you know, that was a game where they didn't want to get into a track meet with the ducks. But it was an entertaining hockey game. They pushed hard. They worked hard and was maybe like their most complete game coming out of the break. So, I feel like the rust has been shaken off. It was good to see the power play score goal as well. Now you're coming back on the home ice. And, you know, I also like listen. Their playoff chances are. I don't know what's a nice way to say it. Extremely slim. Is that a friendly way to put it? Yes. Extremely extremely slim. But like the way that they continue to show up and to push and to play. And, and just to really put their best effort on the ice every single night.

38:04I just, I'm super impressed with that overall. Yeah, I think for the road trip, I mean, the team had to be goal-tending. Everybody was so sharp, Devon Cooley. I thought was unbelievable against Anaheim. I echoed his thoughts post game. I don't know what you're supposed to do against. Mason McTavish just. Having his way with the puck for 10 seconds in front of you. So, I don't even criticize that because I don't know a goal in the world that would feel comfortable. Stopping the ducks in a shootout right now. But both of them just kind of continuing after the Olympic break. What we had seen so much this season that both of them are going to give their team a chance to win. I certainly agree with Megan that, you know, you saw the rust in San Jose. But Dustin Wolf didn't have any of that rust. And he gave his chain of chance to find their legs. And to find their timing. And sure enough, they did. And we're able to beat McQuincella Braini in the sharks. That's a pretty big thing for this team coming off of the break.

39:07And the buy-ins been there. The effort's still been there in a time that we just talked about can be really contentious. And I think hard mentally on this group. Yeah, it's, look, you'd love to win three games out of three. There's no doubt about that. But one one in one based on how the games went. I don't know that you can be super critical of a whole lot that you saw on that trip in California. I think that that's probably a pretty good indication of the way that this team's probably going to play down the stretch. Regardless, regardless of any deals that happen, McQuincella, I kind of feel like they played pretty close to their identity. They were hard to play against. They played hard, little physicality in their game, you know, and at the same time hard, hard for them to score goals. You know, they scored the four against San Jose, but didn't score against L.A. Just the two against Anaheim. They had their chances in both games and both Dostal and Forsberg were very, very good in net.

40:11And yet at the same time, there's a team that has had trouble converting chances for the better part of this season. So I don't know, it kind of feels like they came out of the gates playing after shaking off the rust on Thursday night. They came out of the gates playing kind of to their identity. And that identity is what we've seen from them for the better part of this year. And I've actually been pretty impressed. They played a pretty good team game. They have been in all three games. They played all three of them have been competitive. All three teams they're playing have eyes on going to the playoffs. So yeah, I would expect Tuesday night against Alissa, another game where they're pretty, they're pretty competitive. And where they, they don't have the horses that a lot of other teams do. But when they play hard and when they play to their identity, they're usually in games right until the very end. And we've seen that in all three of their games coming out of the Olympic break.

41:14A lot of people want to see this team get the highest possible lottery odds. And I understand that. But I also have heard a lot of, hey, if they can get high lottery odds and also play hard and and be a team that, you know, you know that they're leaving it all out there. I think a lot of flame spans will be happy with that. Well, I think that that's, that's the best case scenario. Right is that, you know, they, they play hard. That they stick to their identity. I think like the, the fact that they played as well as they did coming out of the break. I think that that says two things. Well, they know what their identity is. Obviously. And they're playing to that. But just the, the leadership and the culture in that locker room. And I remember Mackenzie weager speaking before the game yesterday. And you know, he was saying, you know, we're all in this together. You're going to support one another and, and keep showing up and pushing hard and playing hard every single day. That, you know, that's your leadership.

42:14And that's sort of the, the standard that set. And that's really, really important for young players. Like, if there was a leadership group in there right now, that was like, yeah, we're just going to throw in the towel. Well, you're already setting the tone for next season. So I think that that's, that's a really important thing to, to take away. And for them down the stretch here is, you know, to, to continue to, to make sure that in that locker room. That, that level of expectation, that that accountability, that that's still there. Because like, I know that they still have what 23 games left to play. But I do feel like this stretch. You know, it is, it does, you can set the tone up for next season already. And, you know, I think the other thing is, and just kind of what I was going to say right off the top there was. The best case scenario is to do all of that, but then still get a high pick. Like, I think that that's probably best case scenario for fans as well, so that you can watch some good hockey down the stretch here.

43:18But that they're still doing what they need to do to continue to build for the future. Well, shockingly, we didn't get to a third topic. Shocker. I know surprise, surprise. One day, one day, maybe we will do that. For now, enjoy the rest of your Monday at home. We'll see you at the dome on Tuesday morning, friend. All right, thanks guys, see you tomorrow. Megan Mikkelsen is the color voice of the flames. It joins us every Monday here on Flamestock brought to you by hearth and home fireplace. Whether gathering for a game night or enjoying some me time, hearth and home brings the heed. Love and family. hearth and home. Visit hearth and home fireplace dot com as we start to wrap things up this hour on the program. He's Logan Gordon. My name is Pat Steinberg, Taylor Dingman, Cameron Hughes. Have been our outstanding producers this hour. And this hour on Flamestock has been the sports drive. Brought to you by smart multifamily from access control and cameras to smart sweets, thermostats and locks.

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