Via Ross D. Franklin
The Calgary Flames are 3-2-0 so far this pre-season. However, the main standout in the majority of the games has been the goaltending.
Both Dan Vladar and Jacob Markström have each recorded one shutout so far. Markström’s occurred on September 28th against the Edmonton Oilers, while Vladar’s shutout occurred on the 25th against the Vancouver Canucks in a split squad game.
However, Vladar’s best game might have been on September 30th, during the Flames 2-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring for the Oilers at 8:38 into the first period, scoring a short-handed goal. Dillion Dube tied it up at 15:49 later in the same period. The Oiler’s Brett Kulak ended up getting the game winning goal at 8:55 into the third period.
The Oilers were clearly the dominant team throughout the game, having 38 shots to the Flames’ 22. Among the 36 shots that Vladar saved, many were highlight worthy.
Flames head coach Darryl Sutter spoke highly of the main goaltending tandem as well as third stringer Dustin Wolf.
“Goaltending is clearly our strongest position, organization-wise. The three of them have been outstanding”
– Flames HC Darryl Sutter
Last year, while playing for the AHL Heat–now known as the AHL Wranglers, Dustin Wolf put up a 0.924 save percentage. Wolf got the start on the 25th of September against the Canucks in a split squad game. He stopped 26 of 28 shots and the Flames came out with a 3-2 win.
Wolf also played the third period of the 4-0 win against the Oilers on the 28th. He stopped all nine shots he faced.
One of last year’s Vezina finalists, Markström looks to have a strong year again this year. Last year he had a 0.922 save percentage and amounted nine shutouts, the most out of all goaltenders last season.
The Scoring Touch 