"When seeking optimism, one wouldn't typically look to a backup goaltender for the Calgary Flames. The Wet Logs are bringing up the league's rear, and they've contractually and metaphorically hitched their wagon firmly to Dustin Wolf for the next eight seasons. A No. 2 netminder is not going to get much playing time, and what time he does get will statistically involve giving up a lot more goals than ones viewed from 200 feet away."
"Devin Cooley, of all goaltenders out there, probably needs optimism more than most. The 28-year-old's road to the NHL was long and winding and filled with crappy teams, bouncing around the minor-league affiliates of the Predators, Sabres, and Sharks before getting the call-up for all of six games in San Jose in 2023-24. Without optimism, a guy with that career path probably still isn't playing professional hockey."
"But on Wednesday, a weird thing happened. In the third period, after giving back a 2-0 lead, the Flames started to score goals. Goal after goal! Jonathan Huberdeau forced his way in to set up Morgan Frost just two minutes into the period. Mikael Backlund piled on a few minutes later. Rasmus Andersson sprung Joel Farabee on a breakaway to make it 5-2. By the time Matt Coronato banked in a stupid-lucky sixth goal off both the glass and Buffalo's goalie, it would have been normal and healthy for Cooley to start thinking about his first win as a Flame."
The Calgary Flames sit near the bottom of the standings and have committed long-term to Dustin Wolf as their franchise goaltender. Devin Cooley, 28, worked through a winding minor-league career with affiliates of the Predators, Sabres and Sharks before a six-game call-up in San Jose in 2023-24. After another AHL season he became Calgary's undisputed backup. Cooley entered a recent game 0-2-1 across three starts and two relief appearances while allowing under two goals per game. A third-period offensive explosion produced six goals and presented Cooley a clear chance at his first win. He relies on a grounding mantra to stay calm.
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