The Calgary Flames’ goaltender, Dan Vladar, had a memorable night as he faced off against his former goaltending partner, Jacob Markstrom, in a shutout performance on Tuesday.
Vladar, who was acquired by the Flames in a trade with the Boston Bruins in July, made his first start for the team and did not disappoint. He stopped all 30 shots he faced, earning his first career NHL shutout and helping the Flames secure a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
The 24-year-old Czech goaltender expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play against his former teammate and mentor, Markstrom. The two had played together in the Bruins organization for the past three seasons, with Markstrom serving as a mentor to Vladar.
“It was a special game for me, playing against my old partner and mentor,” Vladar said in a post-game interview. “I learned a lot from him and it was great to see him again on the ice.”
Markstrom, who signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Flames in October, also had a strong performance, making 25 saves in the game. Despite the loss, he had nothing but praise for Vladar’s performance.
“He played a great game, he deserved the shutout,” Markstrom said. “I’m happy for him, he’s a great guy and a great goaltender.”
Vladar’s shutout performance was not only a personal achievement, but it also helped the Flames snap a three-game losing streak. Head coach Darryl Sutter was impressed with Vladar’s composure and confidence in his first start for the team.
“He was really solid, he looked really calm and in control,” Sutter said. “He’s a big guy, he moves well, and he’s got a lot of confidence in his game.”
Vladar’s performance also earned him praise from his teammates, with captain Mark Giordano calling it a “great start” for the young goaltender.
With his impressive debut, Vladar has certainly made a strong case for more playing time in the Flames’ net. As for Markstrom, he will have another chance to face off against his former teammate when the Flames and Canucks meet again on Thursday.
