Dustin Wolf Nearly Makes NHL History, While Rasmus Andersson’s Future in Calgary Hangs in the Balance
Saturday night at the Saddledome had all the makings of a game Flames fans won’t soon forget - not just for the 4-2 win over the Islanders, but for two moments that told very different stories about where this team is and where it might be headed.
Let’s start with Dustin Wolf. The 22-year-old netminder nearly etched his name into the NHL history books with what would have been just the 21st goalie goal ever recorded.
With the Islanders pulling David Rittich for an extra attacker and the Flames holding a comfortable lead, Wolf saw his chance. After snagging a wrist shot from Max Shabanov, he didn’t hesitate - he dropped the puck and fired it down the ice.
For a moment, it looked like it might actually go. The crowd held its breath.
MacKenzie Weegar even threw his arms in the air, thinking it was in. But on the first bounce, the puck kicked just wide of the net, veering a few feet left of glory.
It was that close. And for a goaltender still carving out his place in the NHL, it would’ve been a signature moment. Even without the goal, it was a performance that showed confidence, poise, and a little bit of flair - traits that are becoming trademarks for Wolf.
But while Wolf flirted with a historic highlight, Rasmus Andersson may have been skating through something far more bittersweet - a potential farewell.
Andersson, the Flames’ veteran blueliner and emotional anchor, played like a man who knew the clock might be ticking on his time in Calgary. He logged a team-high 25:40 of ice time, picked up an assist on the opening goal, and was the last man off the ice, lingering at the bench to high-five every single teammate after the final buzzer. Then came the third-star salute - a slow skate back onto the ice, a wave to the crowd, and a few heartfelt claps that felt more like a thank-you than a celebration.
The trade rumors around Andersson have been swirling for months, but over the past few days, they’ve kicked into overdrive. With the NHL trade deadline looming and teams like Boston and Vegas reportedly in the mix, there’s a growing sense that Andersson’s days in Calgary could be numbered. And yet, there he was on Saturday, in the lineup, leading by example, and soaking in what might have been a goodbye.
Head coach Ryan Huska didn’t downplay the moment after the game, praising Andersson’s ability to stay locked in despite all the noise.
“I don’t think he shuts off his social media, I don’t think he’s one of those guys,” Huska said. “So I think he knows what’s going on and all the conversations that are out there about him.
I think it says a ton about his mental fortitude… that he’s able to just go and play and not worry about the things that he has no control of. That’s something most players should aspire to be like.”
It’s a sentiment that rings true. Andersson has been a warrior for this team - logging big minutes, playing in all situations, and wearing the weight of leadership with pride. If this was his final game in a Flames jersey, he went out doing what he’s always done: playing hard, playing smart, and giving everything he had.
So while the scoreboard will show a 4-2 win, the real story of the night was written in the near-miss from a rising star and the possible send-off of a franchise cornerstone. One moment looked ahead to the future. The other may have been a curtain call.
Either way, the Saddledome faithful got something more than just two points. They got a glimpse of what’s coming - and maybe, a final look at what’s about to be left behind.