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Reorganization of Goaltending Starts for Flames
Given the completion of Calgary Flames’ goaltending duo for the remaining season, a prevalent question emerges: how will the team divide starts between Jacob Markstrom and Dustin Wolf during the closing stretch?
If I may interject, the solution must entail generous playing time for Wolf. For the very first occasion in his nascent NHL stint, this prospect becomes a plausible reality.
Calgary officially disclosed Dan Vladar’s season-ending hip operation on Thursday, thereby laying the foundation for Wolf to conclude the season in the NHL. Under such circumstances, it would be remiss for the Flames not to exploit this opportunity abundantly.
Synopsis of the Scenario
It is prudent to ponder upon the situation. Wolf necessitates robust practice sessions in preparation for the forthcoming season, where he is likely to commence playing in the NHL. Conversely, Calgary yearns for more glimpses at their most prized prospect. Despite being distanced by ten points from securing a Western Conference playoff berth, the Flames must seize this moment effectively, especially considering Markstrom’s recent absence due to a persistent lower-body ailment.
Head coach Ryan Huska has asserted that both goaltenders will partake in the forthcoming games. With 14 fixtures remaining, an equitable distribution of playtime seems rational. This strategy enables Wolf to engage significantly while honoring Markstrom’s competitive spirit in potentially his final period with the Flames.
Connor Zary’s Reappearance
Despite being officially listed as day-to-day due to an upper-body injury, there are strong indications that rookie standout Connor Zary will revive his presence in the lineup this weekend. Zary has assimilated back into regular lines and took part in power play practice on Thursday, signaling his imminent return.
Since his absence over the past eight games, the Flames have felt his void measurably. Coach Huska acknowledged Zary’s intrinsic ability to instigate transformation on the ice through his prowess in retaining possession and effectiveness in powerplay executions. The return of this burgeoning rookie marks a pivotal moment for the Flames.
Misfortune for Jakob Pelletier
This season hasn’t unfolded as anticipated for Jakob Pelletier. Projected as a consistent NHL contender post-training camp, Pelletier’s trajectory was marred by a shoulder injury during a preseason clash against Seattle, followed by another upper-body injury post-surgery.
Upon returning for a second time, the 2019 first-round pick struggled to leave a memorable impression. Following a brief spell as a healthy scratch, the Flames opted to dispatch Pelletier to AHL’s Calgary Wranglers earlier this week.
Assistant General Manager Brad Pascall expressed the collective decision to prioritize Pelletier’s active participation on the ice. The Flames are optimistic about Pelletier’s potential in contributing regularly to secondary offense once he regains confidence and consistency in the minors.
Previously an instrumental asset to the Flames, Pelletier’s setback paves the way for a resurgence in the minor leagues – bolstering his prospects for a prompt return to the NHL.
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