Flames turn to last season's AHL MVP, and reigning two-time AHL top goaltender Dustin Wolf in part two of their back-to-back set in Ontario
Amidst the upheaval created by word defenseman Nikita Zadorov wants a trade, the ongoing struggles of Jonathan Huberdeau and their quest to climb from the early season chasm, the Calgary Flames are giving the fans what they want.
Goaltender Dustin Wolf, last season’s AHL MVP and the reigning two-time AHL top goaltender, is to start Saturday night’s road clash against the Ottawa Senators as the Flames (4-7-2) look for points in four consecutive games.
Wolf, who made his NHL debut in last season’s finale, a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, has a 5-1-0 record this season in the AHL, in which he has posted a 2.34 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.
The Senators (5-7-0) have one win in four games and are on a five-game home losing skid.
Ottawa is expected to have Erik Brannstrom in the lineup, who would be the second veteran defenseman to return from injury this week.
Here’s a look at Calgary’s lineup from the Toronto game, with the lone change expected in goal:
Forwards:
Jonathan Huberdeau-Elias Lindholm-Andrew Mangiapane
Martin Pospisil-Mikael Backlund-Blake Coleman
Connor Zary-Nazem Kadri-Yegor Sharangovich
A.J. Greer-Adam Ruzicka-Dillon Dube
Extras: Walker Duehr.
Defense:
MacKenzie Weegar-Rasmus Andersson
Noah Hanifin-Chris Tanev
Nikita Zadorov-Nick DeSimone
Extra: Denis Gilbert
Goal:
Dustin Wolf
Dan Vladar
It would be no surprise if speedy Walker Duehr returns, but with no Flames morning skate, that won't be discovered until warmup.
Here is the expected roster for the Senators:
Forwards:
Brady Tkachuk-Josh Norris-Vladimir Tarasenko
Mathieu Joseph-TIm Stutzle-Claude Giroux
Dominik Kubalik-Roby Jarventie-Drake Batherson
Matthew Highmore-Rourke Chartier-Parker Kelly
Defense:
Jake Sanderson-Artem Zub
Jakob Chychrun-Jacob Bernard-Docker
Erik Brannstrom-Travis Hamonic
Goal:
Joonas Korpisalo
Anton Forsberg