Flames place Devin Cooley on injured reserve after Battle of Alberta collision

Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury during the October 28 loss to Edmonton. Head coach Ryan Huska said October 30 that Cooley is considered week-to-week, leaving the Flames without the netminder who started every game of their recent four-game winning streak. Cooley had posted a 1.50 goals-against average and .955 save percentage during that run. The injury occurred following a collision in the crease late in the first period of Calgary's 4–0 Battle of Alberta defeat.

Dustin Wolf has taken on greater responsibility in goal, and Calgary has recalled additional depth from its American Hockey League affiliate. Forward Brennan Othmann, who left the Edmonton game with an upper-body injury, is day-to-day, while Connor Zary of the Wranglers is out week-to-week following knee surgery. These injuries add to the challenge of managing a lineup that has only recently begun recovering from a poor start. The team has not announced a precise timetable for Cooley's return, and week-to-week should not be converted into an estimated number of missed games.

The injury creates an important test for Wolf and the Flames' improved defensive structure. Cooley's recent play helped change the momentum of Calgary's season, but sustained progress cannot depend on one goaltender remaining healthy. Wolf made 20 saves in Friday's 6–2 win over Seattle, an encouraging response after the Edmonton defeat. His upcoming appearances, the quality of chances allowed and the depth behind him will be important while Cooley recovers.

Sources: globalnews.ca, nhl.com