[Macindoc]

Originally Posted by Locke

Oh I'm not saying that at all, just that historically speaking, the work-load of an NHL starting Goaltender is a lot higher than anything he's ever been used to.

We see it all the time, it takes a while for young goaltenders to adapt to the pace and schedule of the NHL.

We've said the same thing about Vladar, he can come in and play some good games, but can he do it 60 times? Its not a doubt or an indictment, its just the nature of the sport.

There is a reason people kept mentioning Kipper's longevity and ability to start ~70 games a season...thats hard. It takes some getting used to and there probably will be growing pains.

But if there is a time to see if he can do it, that time is now and next season.

I havent seen anything from Wolf to make me doubt him, but at the end of the day a handful of games is not the career of an NHL starting Goaltender.

So, call me 'cautiously optimistic.'

Which, if you know me, 'optimism' really isnt my bag. I've been a Flames fan long enough for that to have been thoroughly drilled out of me.

Wolf played 55 regular season and 9 playoff games with the Wranglers last season and one with the Flames, so he’s closer than you may think to that 60 game mark.