Nobody expected the Calgary Flames to compete for a playoff spot this year, but goaltender Dan Vladar offered a simple reason why the club sits second in the Pacific Division through 20 games.
"We're a bunch of hungry bastards in here," Vladar said Friday. "We all want it, and we're not going to give it away for free."
The Flames improved to 11-6-3 with Thursday's win over the New York Rangers. Calgary outshot the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners 49-29 to secure its third consecutive victory, and sixth in its past 10.
Calgary has traded or failed to retain most of the core that led the club to a division title in 2022. The Flames were expected to be in a rebuilding phase this season, particularly after trading star goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils.
Vladar credited the team for forming a fresh identity.
"Great group of guys," he said. "Since day one of camp, I think we really stuck together and it's showing on the ice. I'm pretty sure the whole league now knows that it's not going to be easy coming into this building or playing against us. I think that's all we wanted. And right now, we've got to embrace it."
Vladar's posted a .906 save percentage in nine appearances this season. Rookie Dustin Wolf has taken over the starter's role in Calgary's crease and is in the Calder Trophy conversation thanks to a .926 clip and eight wins in 11 games.
The Flames return to action Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild.
