Flames Have Tough Decision to Make With Settled-In Dustin Wolf

Dustin Wolf’s remarkable performance this season is quickly drawing attention, with analysts and insiders suggesting the 23-year-old rookie will officially enter the Calder Trophy conversation sooner rather than later.

First, a different decision needs to be made. Should the Flames keep running with the red-hot netminder? He's arguably giving the team the best chance to win each night.

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Another Stellar Performance For Wolf

Coming off a shutout win over the Nashville Predators, Wolf has now allowed just one goal in his last two games, maintaining an impressive .921 save percentage heading into Tuesday's action (he upped his totals with a .966 save percentage performance). He picked up another versus the New York Islanders, picking up a win in a shootout as he stoned both Islanders' shooters.

Rasmus Andersson talked after the game about how great Wolf has been and said he's settling in more and more each game and he's been awesome as of late. Wolf has played solid hockey over the last several games and the team feels comfortable with him in the net.

Wolf said he thinks he's reading plays well and envisioning what will happen next. He feels connected and it's a good feeling to have. He admitted it might be his best run as a goalie, but he's not taking it for granted.

The question now is, do the Flames keep going to Wolf? Or, do they take out the red-hot netminder and ensure Dan Vladar gets some time in goal?

There’s no denying that Wolf’s play has been crucial for the Flames, who are benefiting from his poise, well beyond that of a rookie. If he starts again versus the New York Rangers on Thursday, it will have been a start well-earned. But, the juggling act by any coach is how to schedule two goalies, particularly when the team has a 1A and 1B tandem over a bonafide starter and backup.

Is It Too Early To Talk Calder For Wolf?

Despite the buzz surrounding his early-season success, Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska is shooting down Calder talk. "It's November. I mean, I don't think I would even go there yet." He added that Wolf has been great but it is way too early for that kind of talk.

At the same time, with 15 wins in his first 28 NHL appearances, Huska may not want to talk about the Calder Trophy when it comes to Wolf, but Wolf is the man of the hour and questions about how far he can run with the ball if given it makes sense.