NEW YORK — Dustin Wolf jokes about his hometown, Gilroy, California, known as the `Garlic Capital of the World.` He says the strong garlic smell in the air is just the scent of home.
It`s surprising for a top rookie goalie to come from Northern California. Before Wolf, only four goalies from California had played in the NHL, including Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks. Wolf is now second among them in career NHL games played.
It`s also unusual for a goalie of his height to succeed in today`s NHL. Wolf is listed at 6 feet tall, while many modern goalies are much taller. For example, Connor Hellebuyck, a top goalie, is 6-foot-4, similar to other successful rookie goalies this season.
Adding to the challenge, goalies drafted as late as Wolf rarely have significant NHL careers.
Wolf was picked 214th in the 2019 NHL draft, very late in the process. Hockey legend Henrik Lundqvist was drafted only slightly earlier, showing how unexpected Wolf`s success is.
The draft took place in Vancouver. Wolf drove there from Everett, Washington, where he played junior hockey. He waited through all seven rounds, unsure if he would be picked.
He said he was starting to think about getting invited to an NHL training camp as an undrafted player when he finally heard his name called. The arena was almost empty at that point, with staff already packing up.
Wolf has overcome these odds to become an NHL player and has exceeded expectations in his first full season. He has helped the Flames compete for a playoff spot as a rookie, with a solid record and save percentage in his first 41 games. His advanced stats rank him among the league`s best goalies this season, despite playing on a team that has struggled to score goals.
Flames forward Blake Coleman emphasized Wolf`s importance, stating he is a major reason for their playoff contention and has won them games they might not have deserved to win.
This performance has made Wolf a strong contender for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL`s best rookie. In recent rankings, he was second only to Macklin Celebrini in votes.
One hockey writer noted that Wolf has been the most consistently impressive rookie all season, highlighting his remarkable performance in Calgary.
MANY BELIEVE WOLF`S RISE WAS SUDDEN, but Flames coach Ryan Huska explained it was a planned development. Wolf spent four years in junior hockey, several seasons in the AHL, and had a brief NHL experience last season. This path included playing alongside Dan Vladar and Jacob Markstrom, who was later traded to create a starting role for Wolf.
Huska mentioned that the organization expected Wolf to continue improving after his time in the AHL. He believes that spending extra time in the AHL can be beneficial for young players.
Wolf mentioned adjusting to a less consistent role last season, moving between the AHL and NHL without consistent playing time. This year, he felt more prepared for a real opportunity but knew he still had to earn it.
From November to January, Wolf played exceptionally well, helping the Flames stay in the playoff race. Despite preseason predictions of missing the playoffs, the Flames were competitive in their division.
As they approach the end of the season, the Flames` playoff chances are uncertain. Wolf focuses on his performance on the ice and follows the results of other teams, hoping for favorable outcomes.
He enjoys the high-stakes environment of fighting for a playoff spot, even though he would prefer a more secure position. He believes that if they make the playoffs, they will be a challenging opponent.
Every game is important, but some games have extra weight. A recent game in Toronto, nationally televised in Canada, was a tough one for Wolf. He allowed five goals and was pulled for the first time this season.
While Toronto scored on power plays and had quality shots, Wolf took responsibility, especially for one goal he felt he should have stopped. He felt he let his team down and was disappointed to need Vladar to relieve him.
However, his teammate Rasmus Andersson, a veteran defenseman, supported Wolf after the game. Andersson reassured him that setbacks are normal in an NHL career and that one bad game doesn`t erase his positive impact on the season.
Wolf appreciated the support in that moment.
Getting pulled from a game wasn`t new for Wolf; it also happened in his first professional game in the AHL against Toronto. In that debut, he allowed five goals in just over 28 minutes.
He described that first game as a harsh welcome to professional hockey, hitting rock bottom and learning from it to improve.
After the Toronto loss, in New York for their next game, Wolf went to Madison Square Garden to practice with his skills coach and review video of the previous game to analyze his mistakes.
Wolf believes in returning to basics to regain his form after a setback. He doesn`t dwell on his AHL debut or the recent Toronto game, seeing them as learning experiences.
Wolf acknowledges he is still learning and will continue to learn throughout his NHL career, viewing these challenges as steps in his development.
He aimed to bounce back in the next game against New Jersey. Although he allowed three goals, including one deflected by his own player, he made crucial saves, especially in the third period, including a key breakaway save.
Soon after, the Flames scored twice to take the lead and win a critical game 5-3.
Wolf emphasized the importance of timely saves, especially now that they are in a must-win situation.
MORGAN FROST NOTICED that it`s easy to forget Wolf is a rookie. He mentioned that it`s rare for a rookie goalie to be so dependable.
Frost, who joined the Flames mid-season, had heard about Wolf`s strong rookie season. He has been impressed watching Wolf`s performances firsthand, especially in low-scoring games.
Wolf has a less favorable record in games where the Flames score few goals. He jokes about wanting more goal support but recognizes the team`s skill and potential when they play together.
The Flames have surprised many this season. Wolf mentioned that despite low expectations from outside, the team believed in themselves from the start.
Wolf`s performance has placed him in Calder Trophy discussions. Goalies are often considered for rookie awards, but winning is less common. Only a few goalies have won the Calder in recent decades, with Steve Mason being the last one in 2008-09.
Similarly, goalies rarely win the Hart Trophy for league MVP. Carey Price was the last goalie to win it in 2014-15. Only a few others have won it in the past, mostly in the late 20th century.
Wolf wonders if goalies get enough recognition beyond the Vezina Trophy, their own award. He believes goaltending is the toughest job in sports and deserves more appreciation. However, he also loves the position, enjoying the highs and accepting the lows.
Wolf appreciates the Calder Trophy buzz but is focused on making the playoffs. He wants to concentrate on stopping pucks and helping his team reach the postseason.
The awards attention is a change for Wolf, who has often been underestimated due to his height. He sees being underrated as an advantage, allowing him to focus on his game without extra pressure.
