Flames' Huska’s Lays Out Three Hard Truths

Every once in a while, you hear a coach speak and think, Alright, he’s not dressing this up anymore. That was the Calgary Flames’ Ryan Huska speaking this week. He didn’t sugarcoat the team’s needs, nor did he use long-winded metaphors. He just answered the questions clearly. His message? The Flames have some habits that need tightening, and the clock is ticking.

Huska wasn’t angry. He sounded more like a teacher who knows the class is capable of better work and is tired of seeing sloppy assignments slide across his desk. In his mind, the Flames are doing enough to hang around in games… but not enough to finish them properly.

Here are the three big things he hammered home in his Sportsnet interview.

Issue One: Special Teams Are Holding the Flames Back

Huska didn’t dance around it: the Flames’ special teams are dragging down their record. The power play isn’t producing, the penalty kill looks hesitant, and both sides of the puck feel a half-step behind.

“It’s something that has to improve,” he said flatly. You could hear the frustration and disappointment. The kind that comes from knowing the group has the talent to execute, but keeps misfiring at the wrong moments.

Issue Two: Opportunity Exists for the Flames, But They Must Be Earned

Huska pointed to young players like Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, and Matthew Coronato, who forced their way into full-time NHL roles by simply refusing to be ignored. They didn’t sneak onto the roster — they knocked the door down. And now he’s challenging the next wave, from the Wranglers to the bubble players on the big club, to follow the same path.

Huska believes the organization has depth. However, the onus is on the player to show they are not just fill-ins. Huska’s message was simple: We’ll open the door, but you’ve got to run through it.

Issue Three: If Flames’ Players Do the Right Things, Ice Time Will Follow

Huska emphasized belief — belief in the players, belief in the system, belief in what they’re trying to build. Huska isn’t stingy with ice time. But he’s not handing it out like Halloween candy either. If you show you can help the team win, your chances will come. If you drift or hesitate, well… there’s always someone behind you waiting to prove himself.

What’s the Big Picture with the Flames?

For all the blunt talk, Huska’s tone carried a steady confidence. He sees progress. He sees buy-in. What he wants now is consistency. He wants special teams that don’t sag. Young players who keep climbing. Veterans who set the bar.

The Flames aren’t far off. But as Huska reminded everyone, this league doesn’t reward “almost.” Calgary has the pieces — now they need the polish.