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The Calgary Flames Have A Goaltending Controversy — For All The Right Reasons

Devin Cooley’s unexpected play is challenging Dustin Wolf’s starting job, creating a goalie controversy for a Calgary Flames team that no one expected to be winning this many games this early into the season.

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 9:53 PM
The Calgary Flames Have A Goaltending Controversy — For All The Right Reasons
Key Things to Know
  • Devin Cooley's four-game winning streak is challenging Dustin Wolf for the Calgary Flames' starting goaltender role.
  • Flames head coach Ryan Huska has employed a "win and you're in" approach following Cooley's strong performances.
  • The Hockey News argues that the internal competition will raise goaltending standards and benefit the team.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Calgary Flames backup goaltender Devin Cooley has sparked a goaltending controversy by challenging starter Dustin Wolf, writes Mira Johal for The Hockey News. After Wolf lost four of his first five games, head coach Ryan Huska turned to Cooley, who responded with a four-game winning streak against Carolina, Minnesota, Detroit, and Toronto.

Johal argues that the controversy benefits the Flames by driving competition and elevating goaltending standards across the roster. Although Calgary remains committed to Wolf long-term following his seven-year extension signed in 2025, Huska's "win and you're in" approach has given the 29-year-old Cooley the starting role for now.

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