In a surprise move by head coach Darryl Sutter, the Calgary Flames will be counting on goaltender Dan Vladar between the pipes for their first Battle of Alberta this season.
The native of Czechia was in the starter's net during morning skate in Edmonton before Sutter later confirmed Vladar would get the nod over Vezina Trophy candidate Jacob Markstom.
Sutter's reasoning? "There are 26 weeks in our season. Our theme this year is to give Dan Vladar a game a week," he said.
Vladar held a .942 saved percentage during pre-season and last played when the Flames visited the Oilers on Sept. 30.
Markstrom, meanwhile, has struggled against their provincial rivals, allowing four-plus goals in each of his last six starts against the Oilers and posting a .850 save percentage in those games.
The 32-year-old Swede allowed three goals on 25 shots in Calgary's season-opening win against the Stanley Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche.
Edmonton is expected to start off-season signing Jack Campbell in goal.
