Calgary Flames Showcase Vladar While Top Goalie Markstrom Heals

Vladar tabbed for start against the Toronto Maple Leafs as Flames goalie Markstrom sits with lower-body injury

Dan Vladar got an unexpected start for the Calgary Flames when Jacob Markstrom was ruled out on Tuesday night against the Arizona Coyotes.

But when the Toronto Maple Leafs came calling for the second of six straight home games that are pivotal to the Flames’ position, Vladar got the call well in advance of Thursday’s contest.

Rookie Dustin Wolf was brought up from the AHL Calgary Wranglers to back up with Markstrom on the shelf with a lower-body injury, but Vladar was solid in a comeback 3-2 overtime win over the Coyotes — stopping 23 pucks.

With the provincial rival Edmonton Oilers in town for a Saturday night Battle of Alberta, it’s expected Vladar will suit up again before giving way to Wolf for one of the final three of a six-game homestand before the all-star break.

Vladar is winless in three previous games against the Maple Leafs and their high-powered offence. Some might be intimidated that the follow-up comes against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the equally opportunistic Oilers.

Not Vladar.

“Not scared. Super excited about it. I’m sure the crowd’s going to be buzzing both nights. Whoever plays,” the Calgary Flames goaltender told reports at the Saddledome on Wednesday.

“I’m just trying to enjoy it. I don’t want to waste the opportunity. I’m just having fun every single day out here.”

Things have been more fun during the Flames’ current four-game winning streak — a season high backstopped by Vladar on Tuesday. He wasn’t getting ready to start, but as a backup goalie, he’s always ready.

“You just kind of take it as it is. You don’t have time to think, you just go and play,” he said of the comeback win in which he surrendered the game’s first two goals before shutting the Coyotes down to allow his teammates to rally in the third period and overtime.

Markstrom has been one of the league’s best goalies since December, which has only inspired Vladar to be at his best when he gets his opportunities.

“One hundred per cent, you’re trying to match (Markstrom’s play),” Vladar said. “I think he’s the hottest goalie in the league right now, so you’re just trying to get on his level.

“Obviously, he’s really good, so sometimes it’s tough.”

Although Vladar admits he doesn’t handle the puck as well as the Flames’ top netminder, he does have a competitive fire and athleticism that allowed him to be successful in spurts as the top option last season as Markstrom struggled.

And Vladar isn’t feeling any anxiety over filling in for an elite goalie at the top of his game.

“I wouldn’t say pressure, it’s more inspiring if you see somebody do really, really well,” Vladar said. “You see him prepping, you see him practising, you see him playing — for me, it’s a learning lesson, as well. From my view, watching him, I just know what it takes and then it’s up to me to do my best and be ready every single night.”