NEW YORK – Dustin Wolf jokes about his hometown`s strong garlic smell. Hailing from Gilroy, California, the self-proclaimed `Garlic Capital of the World,` Wolf is used to the pungent aroma of garlic fields. `It`s the smell of home,` the Calgary Flames goalie told ESPN.

It was surprising for a top rookie goalie to come from Northern California. Before Wolf, only four goalies born in California had played in the NHL, including Thatcher Demko from San Diego. Wolf is now second on that list for career appearances.

Another surprise is Wolf`s success as a goalie of average height in today`s NHL. At 6 feet tall, 23-year-old Wolf is shorter than many modern goalies like the 6-foot-4 Connor Hellebuyck. It`s also rare for players drafted so late to have significant NHL careers. Wolf was pick 214 in the 2019 NHL draft. Hockey Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist was picked 205th.

Wolf was drafted in Vancouver. He drove from Everett, Washington, where he played junior hockey, and waited through all seven rounds. `I was thinking about getting invited to an NHL camp when I heard my name called,` he said. `The arena was almost empty. It was pretty wild.`

Wolf has exceeded expectations in his first NHL season, helping the Flames contend for a playoff spot. As a rookie, he has a 22-14-5 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average in 41 games. His goals saved above expected are among the league`s best, despite Calgary`s low goal scoring.

`He`s a big reason we`re fighting for a playoff spot. He`s confident,` said Flames forward Blake Coleman. `He`s won us games we maybe shouldn`t have.`

This performance puts Wolf in the Calder Trophy conversation for the NHL`s best rookie, recently ranked second to Macklin Celebrini in NHL Awards Watch.

`Dustin Wolf has been the best rookie this season,` said one voter. `His performance in Calgary has been remarkable and consistent all year.`

MANY BELIEVE Wolf appeared suddenly, but Flames coach Ryan Huska explains a long-term development plan: four years in the WHL, time in the AHL, and NHL experience last season. `He`s developed within our system. AHL time can be beneficial,` Huska noted. `We expected him to improve this season, and he has.`

Wolf adjusted to limited NHL games last season after playing frequently in the AHL. `This year, I knew I`d have a better chance, but I still had to earn it,` he said.

From November to January, Wolf excelled, going 16-6-2 with a .919 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average. The Flames became playoff contenders.

Despite a loss to New Jersey, the Flames` playoff hopes remain, though slim at 16%. Wolf focuses on his play and watches other teams` scores. `You hope for good results. It`s exciting to fight for a playoff spot, even if we`d rather be more secure,` he said. `If we make it, we`ll be a tough opponent.`

Every game is crucial, especially nationally televised games like the one in Toronto. It was Wolf`s toughest game, allowing five goals on 26 shots and getting pulled. Despite goals from stars like Auston Matthews, Wolf took responsibility. `I should have stopped Matthews` second goal. I wasn`t fast enough,` he admitted.

He felt bad for Vladar and for letting down the team. But veteran Rasmus Andersson reassured Wolf, saying everyone has bad games and his season has been great overall.

Wolf appreciated the support. It wasn`t his first time being pulled, recalling his AHL debut against Toronto Marlies where he allowed five goals in 28 minutes. `It was a welcome to the league moment. It can only get better from there,` he said. `You learn from it.`

After the Toronto loss, Wolf practiced at Madison Square Garden in New York with his skills coach and reviewed game video. `Sometimes you need to revisit what got you here,` Wolf explained. `Just reset and feel good.`

Wolf doesn`t dwell on his AHL debut or the Toronto game, seeing them as learning experiences. `I`m still learning this league for a long time,` Wolf said. `It`s just part of the process.`

He rebounded against New Jersey, making key saves, including a shorthanded breakaway stop in the third period. The Flames rallied to win 5-3. `Sometimes you need a key save,` Wolf said. `We`re in a must-win situation.`

MORGAN FROST SOMETIMES FORGETS Wolf is a rookie. `It`s rare for goalies,` the Flames forward noted.

Frost, who joined the team in January, had heard of Wolf`s strong rookie season. `It`s great to watch, especially in close, low-scoring games. You feel confident with him in net,` Frost said.

Wolf is 4-11-2 in games with two or fewer goals scored by the Flames. `I`d like more goals,` he joked. `But we have skill and work well together.`

The Flames have surprised many. `Everyone predicted us to be a bottom team, but we didn`t believe it,` Wolf said.

Wolf`s performance puts him in Calder Trophy contention. Goalies are often considered, but rarely win. Steve Mason was the last rookie goalie to win in 2008-09. Only five goalies have won in the past 40 years.

Similarly, goalies rarely win the Hart Trophy for MVP. Carey Price was the last in 2014-15. Dominik Hasek was the only other since 1990.

Do goalies get enough award recognition? `Goaltending is the hardest job in sports. We should be appreciated more,` Wolf said. `But it`s the best position. When you`re doing well, it`s great, but when you`re not, it`s tough.`

Wolf appreciates Calder support but focuses on playoffs. `We`re fighting for our playoff lives. I don`t focus on awards. I just try to stop pucks.`

The attention is new for Wolf, the shorter goalie drafted late. `I`ve been underrated my whole career, mostly because of my height,` he said. `It`s a blessing because I can just focus on my game.`