The Calgary Flames have announced that starting netminder Jacob Markstrom is out of commission, nursing an injury that is keeping him out of commission in the short term.
It should be Wolf time
The Flames did also note that Daniel Vladar will start the game tonight versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, and recently called-up Dustin Wolf will take the backup role in this one.
If the world is perfect, Wolf should get the starting nod on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators, which would mark the second NHL start of his career. The Gilroy, California product allowed just one goal in his first NHL game, and managed to get the win. He has won nearly every award the AHL has to offer for goalies and boasts a 5–1–0 record in six games in the league to this point.
This is likely a short-term fit as Markstrom deals with whatever is ailing him, but if Wolf performs exceptionally well, there is a very good chance he ends up staying with the team until the Flames make a decision on their goaltending future. Vladar has not been great in his backup role and a franchise prospect is knocking on the door.
Wolf has long deserved a look at the NHL level, and it’s great to see him finally get his shot. Now it’s time for the coaches to put him into game action. Fingers crossed Markstrom is back on his feet soon.
