Quick Read
- Devin Cooley stopped 34 of 36 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
- The game marked Cooley’s first start since the Olympic break.
- His season record stands at 7-6-4 with a 2.24 GAA and .923 save percentage over 20 appearances.
- Cooley serves as a key backup to starting goaltender Dustin Wolf.
- The Flames face a challenging schedule with three top-tier offenses upcoming.
Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley recently delivered a compelling performance against the Anaheim Ducks, stopping 34 of 36 shots in a hard-fought 3-2 shootout loss. The game, which saw Cooley make his first start post-Olympic break as the Flames played the second leg of a back-to-back, underscored his growing importance as a reliable backup in the National Hockey League.
Devin Cooley’s Recent Performance Against the Ducks
During the Sunday contest against the Ducks, Devin Cooley showcased his goaltending prowess, facing a barrage of shots and maintaining a tight game. Despite the ultimate shootout loss, his efforts kept the Flames competitive. One notable moment from the game included Cutter Gauthier of the Ducks scoring a power-play goal against Cooley, tying the game at 2-2, as highlighted by NHL.com.
Cooley’s stat line for the game was impressive, allowing only two goals in regulation and overtime before the Ducks secured the win with two additional tallies in the shootout. This outing contributed to his updated season record of 7-6-4, with a solid 2.24 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .923 save percentage across 20 appearances, as reported by RotoWire Staff.
Cooley’s Developing Role as Flames Goaltender
At 28 years old, Devin Cooley has steadily carved out a significant role with the Calgary Flames, serving as a crucial backup option to starting goaltender Dustin Wolf. His consistent play allows Wolf to receive necessary rest, particularly during demanding stretches of the season. Sportsnet 960 The Fan’s Pat Steinberg confirmed Cooley’s designation as the Sunday starter, emphasizing his integration into the team’s rotation.
Cooley’s season statistics reflect his reliability, with a record that demonstrates his ability to keep the Flames in contention. His strong outing against the Ducks, a team boasting the league’s 13th-best offense at 3.28 goals per game, further validates his capability to perform under pressure. This consistent development has positioned him as one of the NHL’s more effective backup netminders.
Upcoming Challenges for the Flames and Cooley
The Flames face a challenging schedule in the immediate future, with three of the NHL’s top 11 offenses slated to visit Calgary. These include matchups against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Such a demanding slate suggests that Cooley may be called upon again to provide crucial starts, especially if the team continues to play back-to-back games.
Fantasy managers, according to RotoWire, are advised to consider the high-scoring opponents when evaluating Cooley for the week ahead, acknowledging the potential for increased offensive pressure. However, for the Flames, Cooley’s continued strong performances, even in losses, are vital for managing their goaltending workload and maintaining competitiveness throughout the rigorous NHL season.
Devin Cooley’s consistent, high-level performances, even in close defeats like the recent shootout loss to the Ducks, underscore his evolving value to the Calgary Flames. As the team navigates a demanding schedule, his ability to step in and provide reliable goaltending is not merely a stop-gap measure but a testament to his development into a crucial component of the Flames’ strategic depth in the net.