After a poor performance Thursday, Flames goalie Dustin Wolf is looking to use Calgary's 6-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks as a learning experience.
"I mean, you always want to come out and play the very best you can. ... It's unfortunate for the outcome, but I think these are games and days that you'll look back on," he told reporters postgame. "They suck, but ... it's a great opportunity to evaluate yourself as a player and a person and come back stronger."
Wolf made 25 saves on 31 shots against the Sharks and allowed 3.79 goals above expected at all strengths, according to Natural Stat Trick. San Jose, which came into Thursday's matchup with the league's worst offense, jumped from dead last to 31st in both goals for and goals per game after the six-goal outburst.
The Flames entered the final frame down 3-2, but Wolf surrendered three goals in an 11-minute span.
"I wasn't super pleased with the goals in the third, and those are the times where you need a couple saves to give the group some life," Wolf said.
He added: "It's one of those where you make some saves, and next thing you know, a couple are in your net. You got a couple bounces that don't go your way. That's the nature of hockey and the National Hockey League - it's a hard league to play in."
Wolf has appeared in just seven NHL games since making his debut last season. He owns a .887 save percentage and 3.47 goals against average.
The 22-year-old has been outstanding in the AHL. He's been named the league's best goalie in back-to-back seasons and won the AHL's MVP last campaign.
On the two occasions Wolf has surrendered six goals in the AHL this season, he's bounced back with a monster performance.
"I'd like to say that's one of my strengths in my game," he said on his ability to handle adversity.
Flames head coach Ryan Huska believes in Wolf's ability to turn the page.
"I know he's good that way," he said. "He'll flush it and move on from it. There are certain things he'll take from it and make sure he's better his next start."
"He needs to get back in there and be himself," Huska added.
Calgary next plays the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.
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