Through his first 15 appearances in the 2025-26 season, Calgary Flames netminder Dustin Wolf had faced a shot roughly every two minutes of game action. Sure, sometimes the frequency within the games varied – teams tend to get shots in bunches – but generally speaking, Wolf has seen 30 shots a game and a shot every two minutes.

So suffice it to say, Thursday night’s clash between the Flames and the visiting San Jose Sharks was a distinct departure from what Wolf has been used to.

Wolf didn’t see his first shot on goal until 15:45 into the opening period. And then he didn’t see his second until 2:49 into the second period. And his third wasn’t until 7:58 into the second period.

Despite the sporadic action, Wolf was really sharp, back-stopping the Flames with 16 saves in a 2-0 victory over San Jose. Blake Coleman and Sam Honzek scored for the Flames. Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, who entered the game on an offensive hot streak, was minus-2 and credited with three shots, spending much of the game shadowed by Mikael Backlund.

Thursday night’s win was Wolf’s first shutout of 2025-26, his fourth in his NHL career, and the 20th of his pro career. It was also the least busy he’s been in a shutout win as a pro. He noted the challenge of staying focused in a game where he wasn’t overly busy until late.

“It’s tough, but at the same time that’s your job is to stay focused and stay present,” said Wolf, following the game. “And, you know, credit to our guys for playing in their zone most of the night, especially in the first period. They didn’t have anything until, you know, their one opportunity later in the period there. But, you know, that’s the way we need to play. And that’s the way we’re going to find success.”

“Yeah, I thought he kept himself busy, I guess, the first couple periods,” said head coach Ryan Huska. “It has to be tough for a goaltender, I would assume, in those situations. But I thought he was very good in the third period when we needed him to be.”

Wolf’s 16-save goose-egg in net was just the 10th shutout win in franchise history where the Flames faced 16 or fewer shots. The last time it happened was Dec. 3, 2024, when Dan Vladar made 16 saves against Columbus.

The win snapped a three game losing skid and improved the Flames to 5-12-2 through 19 games. They remain in 32nd spot in the NHL’s overall standings. But perhaps they can build upon a very stingy defensive effort, and bury a few more of their chances, in future games.

They’re back in action on Saturday night when they host the Winnipeg Jets.

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