The Athletic’s Jesse Granger wrote on Feb. 14 about the top storylines of NHL goalies and gave high praise to the Calgary Flames’ Dustin Wolf.
“Wolf hasn’t looked like a rookie,” Granger said. “Speaking of young goalies cementing themselves as a core piece for a franchise, what a season it has been for Wolf in Calgary. He ranks sixth in the NHL in GSAx (18.69) and 11th in save percentage (.912). To this point, he has stopped the fifth-most goals saved above expected by any goalie 23 years or younger since Evolving-Hockey began tracking the stat 17 years ago.”
“Wolf’s most impressive attribute is his skating. … what has stood out about Wolf’s game lately is how in control he seems to be,” Granger said. “Still in his first full season in the NHL, he’s no longer a timid rookie trying to fit in. Wolf is already conducting the defense in front of him like a seasoned vet.”
Granger included video and analysis of a challenging play against first-place Winnipeg on Jan. 18. An unexpected turnover happened right in front of the net. It produced a “scramble situation” with very little defensive structure, but Wolf handled it perfectly. He directed his defenseman on how to play the 2-on-1, stayed square to the resultant shot, stopped it and directed the rebound harmlessly into the corner.
Granger added, “It’s not just that he makes the call. Everything about his body language shows he feels completely in control of the situation… He does it all on a surprise play that developed instantly with a shooting threat barreling toward him. It’s seriously impressive stuff from the rookie.”
Granger closed by saying, “He’s still very young, but this is Wolf’s team at this point. He’s playing with confidence, and with good reason. He’s the biggest reason the Flames are in the Western Conference playoff chase.”
Season Totals:
Wolf’s record: 19-11-3 with a Save Percentage of .912 (#10 in the NHL) and a Goals Against Average of 2.63.
Calgary’s record: 26-21-8, in fifth place in the Pacific Division.
The Wolf Watch is a periodic look-in at the career of Gilroy native and ex-Morgan Hill resident Dustin Wolf, goalie for the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
