Bristol have come out of the Premiership break "stronger" says director of rugby Pat Lam, with a number of players nearing return from injury.

The Bears return to league action against Exeter at Ashton Gate on Saturday (17:30 GMT) second in the table, six points behind leaders Bath and five ahead of third-placed Gloucester.

Centre James Williams returns from a broken hand to start against the Chiefs, with England scrum-half Harry Randall straight back into the starting XV following the Six Nations and Ellis Genge on the bench.

"We started our season flying and then after that Leicester game a lot of our guys went down and a lot of guys went missing so we couldn't even do proper training, we'd just get to the game," Lam told BBC Radio Bristol.

"This last three weeks has got us back to training the way we want to train, without a game, and a lot of boys have come back from injury which is great, so the squad's stronger."

Fly-half AJ MacGinty is nearing a return from a knee injury that has ruled him out since the end of December, as is wing Gabriel Ibitoye who suffered a setback in his recovery from a leg injury, and versatile forward Joe Batley who fractured his leg in November.

"If you're looking at starters - or guys who are certainly pushing for starters - when you consider what we had after that Leicester game, to have AJ, Bats and Gabs not far away, we should be all good," Lam added.

Saracens: Daly; Elliott, Lozowski, Tompkins, Segun; Burke, Van Zyl; Mawi, George, Riccioni, Itoje, Tizard, McFarland, Gonzalez, Willis.

Replacements: Dan, Brantingham, Clarey, Isiekwe, Onyeama-Christie, Michelow, Simpson, Goode.

Harlequins: Halfpenny; Isgro, Beard, Waghorn, David; J Evans, Porter; Jones, Walker, Lamositele, Launchbury, Lewies, Kenningham, W Evans, Dombrandt.

Replacements: Riley, Els, Hobson, Herbst, Hammond, Murray, Benson, Green.

The teams once again meet in their opening match of this year's World Cup in England, giving Saturday's Six Nations fixture even more significance.

"There's always niggle in Scotland and Wales games, no matter what sport, whether it's a male or female sport," said former Scotland hooker Brown.

"There's such close proximity both in geography but also where we are as a team.

"We have three home games - Wales, Italy and Ireland - three teams who are close to us in the world rankings, who are close to us in ability and who are also progressing and growing with professionalism growing tournament on tournament.

"It's really healthy for the sport but it's great for us because it means every single time we go into a competition we get to mark ourselves against teams that are right next to us, pushing in terms of professionalism and quality.

"Wales at home is an excellent opportunity for us to go out and start well."

Saturday at Edinburgh's Hive Stadium is a chance to strike a psychological blow before that World Cup opener on 23 August in Salford, but the Scots are focused only on delivering a strong Six Nations showing that would inevitably provide a springboard towards the global tournament this summer.

"We've got a good run of games, a good order of games," said Thomson, who represented GB Sevens at the Paris Olympics last year.

"We've got Wales up first and then away to France. We pushed France close last year [in a 15-5 loss in Edinburgh], but we know that France are a different animal at home.

"As a group we've talked about just focusing on this tournament. We have Wales first up in the Six Nations, Wales first up in the World Cup, but we've done that before.

"We're just looking forward to a good game on Saturday again."

The 2024-25 NHL regular season is another week closer to its end on April 17, and teams continue to solidify their playoff (or draft lottery) positioning.

The fantasy hockey playoffs also began this week in standard leagues. But don't fret if you're trailing; there's still plenty of time to turn things around in this two-week period.

In addition to the updated power rankings this week, Sean Allen (Eastern Conference) and Victoria Matiash (Western Conference) have identified the best playoff pickups, still reasonably available in your free agent pool, to help push your team to the finals.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published March 14. Points percentages are through Thursday's games.

1. Washington Capitals

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 72.46%

Pierre-Luc Dubois, F (available in 41.4% of ESPN fantasy leagues): Top-40 forward value from Dubois seemed like a long shot before the season, but the trade to Washington has revived his game. He's still available in some leagues, even though he ranks 39th in fantasy points among forwards since Dec. 1.

Next seven days: vs. FLA (March 22), @ WPG (March 25), @ MIN (March 27)

2. Winnipeg Jets

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 71.43%

Dylan Samberg, D (available in 92%): Leading Winnipeg's blue line in blocked shots and shots on net these past couple of weeks, Samberg is sparkling as an under-the-radar fantasy performer. Partnered with new Jets defender Luke Schenn, the 26-year-old produced two goals and an assist in a recent three-game stretch. He's worth a whirl right now in deeper leagues.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 23), vs. WSH (March 25)

3. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.71%

Shayne Gostisbehere, D (available in 51.6%): Mark Jankowski's four goals on four shots are a fun story, but for sustainable fantasy value, Gostisbehere is the better bet. He continues to log big power-play minutes, where 22 of his 37 points have come this season.

Next seven days: @ LA (March 22), @ ANA (March 23), vs. NSH (March 25)

4. Dallas Stars

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 66.18%

Casey DeSmith, G (available in 96.2%): After Thursday's game with the Lightning, the Stars play six in a span of 10 days, then another four in six through the first week of April. Jake Oettinger is bound to get some time off, and DeSmith is a viable streaming option when he's active. Since mid-January, DeSmith is 6-0 with a .931 save percentage and 2.01 goals-against average.

Next seven days: vs. PHI (March 22), vs. MIN (March 24), @ EDM (March 26), @ CGY (March 27)

5. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 64.71%

Pavel Dorofeyev, F (available in 59.4%): The forward duo of Dorofeyev and Tomas Hertl has been humming along nicely at even strength and with the extra skater, contributing to the scoresheet more games than not. But only one of the two is unspoken for in more than half of ESPN fantasy leagues.

Next seven days: vs. DET (March 22), vs. TB (March 23), @ MIN (March 25)

6. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 63.04%

Mackie Samoskevich, F (available in 91.6%): Brad Marchand might return in the final weeks, but until then, Samoskevich is firmly entrenched near the top of the Panthers' depth chart. Since February, he ranks sixth for fantasy points per minute among players with at least 100 minutes of ice time ... just behind Auston Matthews and ahead of Leon Draisaitl.

Next seven days: @ WSH (March 22), vs. PIT (March 23)

7. Colorado Avalanche

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 62.14%

Scott Wedgewood, G (available in 95.3%): In spelling Mackenzie Blackwood more often these days, Colorado's other netminder is posting frequent victories. Make that four straight in a recent run, including a shutout against the Blackhawks. As a goalie streaming option, Wedgewood is an appealing choice this fantasy postseason.

Next seven days: @ MTL (March 22), vs. DET (March 25), vs. LA (March 27)

8. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 63.04%

Matthew Knies, F (available in 35.9%): This breaks the rule of recommending widely available players a little bit, but it's worth the indulgence. First, there really isn't another place to look on the Leafs' roster for a possibly available fantasy contributor. Secondly, Knies has so much potential, he should be universally rostered. In the 51 games this season in which both Knies and Auston Matthews played, Knies has 1.98 fantasy points per game.

Next seven days: @ NSH (March 22), vs. PHI (March 25), @ SJ (March 27)

9. Edmonton Oilers

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 61.59%

Calvin Pickard, G (available in 96.7%): All told, Pickard has been the better netminder for the Oilers recently. If the Oilers get another dud or two from Stuart Skinner in the coming days, Edmonton's backup is going to be busier. Coming off two stingy showings, he could be worth a fantasy swing for managers with goalie issues.

Next seven days: vs. SEA (March 22), vs. DAL (March 26), @ SEA (March 27)

10. Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.50%

Oliver Bjorkstrand, F (available in 59.3%): The pendulum has swung toward Yanni Gourde for top-six minutes, but Bjorkstrand remains a fixture on the potent Lightning power play. That role offers more consistency for the final month, though Gourde on a scoring line is also worth monitoring.

Next seven days: @ UTA (March 22), @ VGK (March 23), vs. PIT (March 25), vs. UTA (March 27)

11. Los Angeles Kings

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 61.94%

Quinton Byfield, F (available in 52.4%): In hindsight, acquiring Byfield before he scored in six consecutive games would have been more helpful, but better late than never. Logging heavy minutes, the 22-year-old has a few more in him as the Kings battle for playoff positioning in the Pacific.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (March 22), vs. BOS (March 23), vs. NYR (March 25), @ COL (March 27)

12. Minnesota Wild

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.15%

Ryan Hartman, F (available in 77.3%): Hartman is reasonably walking the talk since pledging to be better post-suspension by pitching in three goals and three assists in eight games. He's now a candidate to sub in on the top line after Marco Rossi sustained a lower-body injury Wednesday.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 22), @ DAL (March 24), vs. VGK (March 25), vs. WSH (March 27)

13. New Jersey Devils

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 57.14%

Luke Hughes, D (available in 56.3%): There are actually two injury openings at the top of the Devils' depth chart, at forward and on the blue line. Up front, Timo Meier never left most fantasy rosters this season, so he isn't really an option in most leagues. Hughes, on the other hand, has plenty of availability taking over for the injured Dougie Hamilton.

Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 22), vs. VAN (March 24), @ CHI (March 26)

14. Ottawa Senators

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 56.62%

Dylan Cozens, F (available in 41%): Cozens is thriving in Ottawa, getting key ice time and playing with an edge. He averaged 2.8 hits per 20 minutes with the Sabres but has doubled that to 5.6 in six games with the Sens. With hits, points, and power-play access, there's a lot to love about Cozens after his change of scenery.

Next seven days: @ NJ (March 22), @ BUF (March 25), @ DET (March 27)

15. St. Louis Blues

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 55.00%

Jake Neighbours, F (available in 83.9%): The young winger is sizzling on a line with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich. Accumulating three goals and four assists in five games, Neighbours should be accounted for in much more than 16.1% of ESPN fantasy leagues.

Next seven days: vs. CHI (March 22), vs. NSH (March 23), vs. MTL (March 25), @ NSH (March 27)

16. Vancouver Canucks

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.07%

Kevin Lankinen, G (available in 39.8%): Even though Thatcher Demko is travelling with the team, a shot at a playoff spot will largely rest on the back of their current No. 1. Fortunately for Lankinen & Co., having Quinn Hughes back in the lineup -- and better play from Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser -- increases Vancouver's chances.

Next seven days: @ NYR (March 22), @ NJ (March 24), @ NYI (March 26)

17. Montreal Canadiens

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 54.41%

Patrik Laine, F (available in 35%): Laine's fantasy value fluctuates with how often his power-play one-timers find twine. Lately, they've been hitting more regularly, making him an intriguing option as the Habs chase a wild-card spot. That said, he needs to shoot more, as another attempt or two per game would go a long way.

Next seven days: vs. COL (March 22), @ STL (March 25), @ PHI (March 27)

18. Calgary Flames

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 55.15%

Dan Vladar, G (available in 98%): In reality, the few truly valuable fantasy performers in Calgary -- and there aren't many -- are overwhelmingly rostered in ESPN leagues. So spare a thought for the Flames' backup, who has risen to the occasion often enough to merit consideration as a streaming option when he's tapped to start.

Next seven days: @ NYI (March 22), vs. SEA (March 25), vs. DAL (March 27)

19. Utah Hockey Club

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.90%

Nick Schmaltz, F (available in 68.5%): No question, there are jazzier fantasy options on Utah's forward roster, such as Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley. But when Keller's veteran linemate is in one of his productive grooves -- as Schmaltz is at present -- fantasy managers best take advantage.

Next seven days: vs. TB (March 22), vs. DET (March 24), @ TB (March 27)

20. New York Rangers

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 51.43%

Will Cuylle, F (available in 67%): Since the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Cuylle has locked down a top-six role with the Rangers. Only 16 forwards have recorded at least 40 hits in that span, and only three -- Dylan Cozens, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cuylle -- have also tallied nine or more points. Cuylle is a rare mix of physicality and production.

Next seven days: vs. VAN (March 22), @ LA (March 25)

21. New York Islanders

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 52.94%

Kyle Palmieri, F (available in 51.2%): Only 13 forwards have more goals than Palmieri since the start of February. Palmieri is still riding with Bo Horvat on the top line and power play. With Mathew Barzal questionable to return before the end of the regular season, there's only one line on Long Island to mine for fantasy points.

Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 22), vs. CBJ (March 24), vs. VAN (March 26)

22. Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 52.21%

Adam Fantilli, F (available in 57.3%): Even when Sean Monahan returns, it's hard to see Fantilli giving up his top-line role. Since Monahan's injury, Fantilli ranks 37th among all forwards in fantasy points and 54th in total ice time. Not bad for a second-year player.

Next seven days: @ PIT (March 21), @ NYI (March 24)

23. Detroit Red Wings

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.47%

Patrick Kane, F (available in 32.5%): Kane might not be widely available, but he's the best fantasy pick from the Red Wings you might still find on the wire, so at least double check. His five-point outburst last week highlights that he still has game-breaking potential.

Next seven days: @ VGK (March 22), @ UTA (March 24), @ COL (March 25), vs. OTT (March 27)

24. Boston Bruins

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 49.29%

Mason Lohrei, D (available in 89%): Since the trade deadline sell-off, the Bruins' fantasy stock has dipped for everyone not named David Pastrnak. But if you're looking for an upside play, Lohrei ranks ninth in total power-play time among defensemen since the 4 Nations break as he fills in for Charlie McAvoy.

Next seven days: @ SJ (March 22), @ LA (March 23), @ ANA (March 26)

25. Anaheim Ducks

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 49.28%

Leo Carlsson, F (available 64.1%): Carlsson is averaging 2.1 FPPG in ESPN standard leagues since the 4 Nations break, more than any other Anaheim forward. The 20-year-old also leads his club with seven goals in that stretch.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (March 23), vs. BOS (March 26)

26. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.14%

Tristan Jarry, G (available in 87.2%): Better late than never, right? Jarry is making a push for some back-from-the-dead fantasy value at the close of the season. Did some time in the AHL get his game back in the right place? It sure looks like it. Before a loss Tuesday, he peeled off four consecutive victories, and earned positive fantasy points in all five games. Just know that this is a high-risk situation.

Next seven days: vs. CBJ (March 21), @ FLA (March 23), @ TB (March 25), @ BUF (March 27)

27. Seattle Kraken

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.43%

Jordan Eberle, F (available in 89.0%): On a scoring line with Chandler Stephenson and Eeli Tolvanen, the veteran is endeavoring to make the most of what's left, after sitting out 40 games because of a pelvic injury. The two goals and six assists in Eberle's most recent six games -- 2.2 FPPG -- suggests he's on the right track.

Next seven days: @ EDM (March 22), @ CGY (March 25), vs. EDM (March 27)

28. Philadelphia Flyers

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 45.71%

Matvei Michkov, F (available in 49.5%): The Flyers offer limited fantasy help, with no forwards among the top 100 fantasy point earners since the 4 Nations break. Michkov impressed early on a line with Owen Tippett and Sean Couturier, but the trio was broken up after struggling defensively. Still, Michkov remains one of the few players with the potential to get hot.

Next seven days: @ DAL (March 22), @ CHI (March 23), @ TOR (March 25), vs. MTL (March 27)

29. Buffalo Sabres

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.78%

Josh Norris, F (available in 48.8%): New uniform, same story. When healthy, Norris is loaded with fantasy potential thanks to his deployment and linemates. That remains true in Buffalo, where he's set to skate alongside Tage Thompson once he returns from another stint on the sideline.

Next seven days: @ MIN (March 22), @ WPG (March 23), vs. OTT (March 25), vs. PIT (March 27)

30. Nashville Predators

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 42.65%

Brady Skjei, D (available in 47.5%): Anchoring the top power play in place of Roman Josi while logging heavy minutes on the top pair, Skjei is posting points and firing on net with regularity. Toss in a few blocked shots and handful of hits, and fantasy managers have themselves a solid blue-line performer to wrap up 2024-25.

Next seven days: vs. TOR (March 22), @ STL (March 23), @ CAR (March 25), s. STL (March 27)

31. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.51%

Ryan Donato, F (available in 71.1%): On a squad not exactly bursting with flashy fantasy talent, Donato sports value in deeper leagues down the playoff stretch. Failing to contribute to the scoresheet only three times, the top-six and No. 1 power-play forward is averaging 2.0 FPPG in standard leagues since the 4 Nations break.

Next seven days: @ STL (March 22), vs. PHI (March 23), vs. NJ (March 26)

32. San Jose Sharks

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 32.61%

Will Smith, F (available in 91.8%): The Sharks' most productive forward as of late not named Macklin Celebrini, Smith is averaging nearly 18 minutes of ice time split between his top-six role and spot on the No. 1 power play. The rookie is also shooting on net frequently.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 22), vs. TOR (March 27)

NEW YORK -- Dustin Wolf's hometown stinks and he knows it.

The Calgary Flames goaltender is a native of Gilroy, California, which proudly bills itself as the "Garlic Capital of the World." Drive through its farmland, open the windows and the pungent odor of the garlic harvest envelops your olfactory system like malodorous blanket.

"That's the smell of home," Wolf told ESPN.

That a star rookie goalie would emerge from Northern California was unlikely. Before Wolf, there had been only four other California-born goalies in NHL history, including San Diego native Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, a Vezina Trophy runner-up last season. Wolf's 60 career appearances rank second on that exclusive list.

Also unlikely: That a goalie his height would break through in 2025. Wolf, 23, is listed at 6 feet tall during an era of towering netminders. Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner and Team USA's starter at the 4 Nations Face-Off, is listed at 6-foot-4. So is Nashville's Justus Annunen, second in wins among rookies this season.

Making those odds even longer: There also aren't many goalies -- or players for that matter -- drafted as late as Wolf who go on to have relevant NHL careers.

He was the 214th player selected in the 2019 NHL draft. Only three players were taken lower than him to finish off the seventh round. To put that in perspective: Hockey Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist, heralded as the ultimate diamond in the rough, was taken 205th overall.

That draft was held in Vancouver, Canada. Wolf drove from Everett, Washington, where he was playing junior hockey with the Western Hockey League's Silvertips. And then he waited. And waited. Through seven rounds of picks, he sat there in his suit.

"It was kind of at a point of, 'OK, let's try to figure out where I can get invited to an NHL camp.' And next thing you know, you hear your name called," he said. "I don't think anyone expected for there to be people still waiting to be drafted in the arena. The stands were empty. They're packing everything up. It's actually kind of wild how quickly they pack everything up."

Wolf defied those odds in making the NHL and has defied expectations in his first season as a starter. Wolf has backstopped the Flames to the Stanley Cup playoffs bubble as a rookie, with a 22-14-5 record, a .912 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average through 41 games. His 9.63 goals saved above expected places him near the top 10 for all netminders in 2024-25. He has accomplished this on a team that has ranked dead last in goals per game for most of the season.

"It's obviously no secret that he's a big reason why we're fighting for a playoff spot right now. He's got a lot of swagger and confidence," Flames forward Blake Coleman said. "He's the reason we've won a lot of games, maybe some we shouldn't have."

In the process, he's solidified himself as a contender for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL's top rookie. In the latest NHL Awards Watch, Wolf was second to San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini among the voters surveyed.

"If we're talking about who has truly been the best performing rookie over the balance of the season, it has to be Dustin Wolf," one PHWA voter surveyed said. "What he's done in Calgary is remarkable. He's the only rookie in the discussion who's been consistently at the top of his game all year."

FOR MANY OBSERVERS, Wolf just burst onto the scene this season. But Calgary coach Ryan Huska said there has been a meticulous growth plan in place for the young goalie: four years in the WHL; parts of four seasons in the American Hockey League; and a 17-game taste of NHL life last season, when Wolf shared time with current Flames creasemate Dan Vladar and Jacob Markstrom, who was traded to the New Jersey Devils in the offseason to clear a path for Wolf.

"He's grown up within our organization. Like it or not -- and some players hate it -- sometimes playing in the American League a little longer is a really good thing," Huska said. "Coming back after the summer, it was fully our expectation that he would have another great season and take another step, which he's done."

After playing a significant number of games annually during his minor league career, Wolf said he had to adjust to last season's role, shuttling back and forth from the AHL and not getting much action in the NHL until March and April.

"Coming into this year, I had a better idea that I was going to get an opportunity. But you still had to earn it," he said.

From November through January, Wolf earned it: 16-6-2, with a .919 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average. The Flames, picked by many to miss the Stanley Cup playoff cut, were very much in contention in the Pacific Division.

Entering Thursday night's game against New Jersey, their playoff hopes were still flickering: Stathletes gave them a 16% chance of making the postseason, odds that had been impacted by a torrid St. Louis Blues run to the final wild-card spot. Wolf does what he can for the Flames on the ice, and then is at the mercy of rival teams as he watches the out-of-town scoreboard.

"Yeah, you're kind of hoping for some results. But it's fun. You want to be in these scenarios where you're fighting for your life. Granted, you probably want to be more solidified in the spot," he said. "I think if we slip in, I have no doubt that it'll make it tough on whoever we play."

Every game matters in the standings, but some games matter beyond that. The Flames visited Toronto on Monday for a game televised nationally across Canada. It ended up being Wolf's most humbling outing of the season: He gave up five goals on 26 shots and was pulled for the first time this season.

In Wolf's defense, the Leafs tallied two power-play goals from Auston Matthews and another from William Nylander. He saw plenty of high-quality shots. But Wolf wasn't accepting excuses after the game. He especially wanted Matthews' second goal back. "I was all over it, and I just didn't get down fast enough," he said. "That's one that I'm going to have all day long and just didn't have it."

He felt bad for needing Vladar to come on in relief. He also felt bad for, in his estimation, letting his team down. But his teammates weren't going to let him stew in those emotions. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson, a nine-year veteran, sought out Wolf after the game, telling him that it wasn't the last time this was going to happen as an NHL goalie, but that one game of disappointment doesn't outweigh a season of keeping Calgary in the playoff hunt.

Which, Wolf admits, was nice to hear in that moment.

It wasn't the first time Wolf has been pulled in his career. In fact, it's how his career started, against a team from Toronto no less.

Wolf made his professional debut on Feb. 21, 2021, for the AHL Stockton Heat against the Toronto Marlies. That outing lasted just over 28 minutes, as Wolf gave up five goals on 11 shots before being lifted for Garret Sparks.

"I don't know if I would call it a wake-up call, but just kind of like, 'Welcome to the league.' You're thrown to the s--- and the worst thing that could happen happens. You can't go any lower than that, so all you can go from here is up," he said. "So that's the best part: You're learning from it."

Calgary traveled to New York after the loss to the Leafs. Plans were for Wolf to hang back at the team hotel in Manhattan on Tuesday morning, but he needed to get back on the ice. So he walked a few blocks to Madison Square Garden, where the Flames would face the Rangers that night, to work with his skills coach for an about an hour. Later, Wolf would analyze video from the Leafs game, parsing what went wrong.

"Sometimes you need to go back to stuff that's helped you get this far," Wolf said. "It doesn't have to be anything crazy. Just get your feet back under you and feel good."

Wolf said he never thinks about his AHL debut. That loss to the Leafs will eventually be memory-holed too, after it serves its purpose as a harsh education for a young player -- one he believes he'll be better for experiencing.

"I'm still figuring out this league and I'm going to be figuring it out for a long time," Wolf said. "So it was just one of those steppingstones."

He returned to the ice on Thursday night looking to rebound against New Jersey. Wolf surrendered three goals in the first two periods -- one deflecting off his own defenseman and into the net -- but he was there when it counted. That was especially true in the third period, when Wolf kept the score 3-2 by stopping a shorthanded breakaway by Devils center Dawson Mercer:

Dustin Wolf makes an incredible breakaway save!

: Sportsnet | NHL#Flames pic.twitter.com/QKQszA1GDM

Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) March 21, 2025

Soon after, the Flames would score twice in a minute to take the lead en route a critical comeback road win, 5-3.

"Sometimes you just need one save here or there," Wolf said afterwards. "We have to find a way. We're in do-or-die range right now."

MORGAN FROST HAS TO remember sometimes that his starting goalie is a rookie.

"I don't think that happens too often for that position," the Calgary forward said.

Frost arrived via trade from the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 30. Back in the Eastern Conference, he had heard about Wolf's Calder-worthy campaign for the Flames. Seeing it for himself was revelatory.

"It's been fun to watch some of these games, especially where we're lacking some goal scoring and you've kind of got to grind it out and win 1-0. You feel good when he's back there for those," Frost said.

Wolf is 4-11-2 in games where the offensively challenged Flames scored two or fewer goals this season.

"Granted, I'd like us to maybe score a couple more [goals]," he said. "But we have a lot of skill in this room, and if you put it all together, we work really well."

The Flames have been a surprise to everyone but the Flames.

"Coming into the year, everyone had us written off as probably a bottom-five team, and I think anybody in this room could tell you that we didn't believe that," Wolf said.

His role in elevating the Flames has put Wolf into Rookie of the Year contention. Goalies are frequently part of the Calder Trophy conversation -- Stuart Skinner (Edmonton), Alex Nedeljkovic (Carolina) and Jordan Binnington (St. Louis) were all finalists in recent years. Winning the Calder is another matter. The last rookie goalie to win NHL Rookie of Year was Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008-09. Over the past 40 years, five goalies have won the Calder: Mason, Andrew Raycroft of the Bruins (2003-04), Evgeni Nabokov of the Sharks (2000-01), Martin Brodeur of the Devils (1993-94) and Ed Belfour of the Blackhawks (1990-91).

It's the same story for league MVP: The NHL hasn't had a goalie win the Hart Trophy since Montreal's Carey Price in 2014-15. After Dominik Hasek won the award in back-to-back seasons from 1996 to 1998, only one goalie captured the Hart besides Price: Montreal's Jose Theodore in 2001-02.

Do goalies get enough awards love outside of their own trophy, the Vezina?

"Goaltending is the toughest job in sports in my mind. And do I think we should be appreciated more? Probably," Wolf said. "It is the best position though. You wouldn't want to be anywhere else. When things are going great, you're on top of the world, and when things are not so hot, you're kind of at the bottom of the stomping block."

Wolf appreciates the support surrounding his Calder candidacy -- "It's cool to have your name out like that," he said -- but his focus is squarely on earning the chance to play games beyond the regular season.

"We're in the fight for our lives and getting into the playoffs," he said. "I don't want to focus on anything outside of that and I have no control over what people want to think. All I can do is try to stop as many pucks as I can."

The awards attention is an interesting shift in perspective for Wolf, the height-challenged goalie from Gilroy and the player drafted three slots away from being "Mr. Irrelevant."

"I've been underrated my whole career, a large majority of it due to how tall I stand," he said. "And I think that's a blessing in disguise, because then you can just go about your business."

Grupo Pachuca confirmed that the FIFA appeals committee on Friday ruled Club León out of participation in the 2025 Club World Cup due to the tournament's multi-ownership rules.

The two clubs, pertaining to Grupo Pachuca, originally qualified to the competition by winning separate editions of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

"In line with article 10 paragraph four of the regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined That Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course," FIFA said in a statement.

"A few moments ago we were notified by FIFA that one of the two teams: Pachuca and León, will be excluded from the FIFA Club World Cup.The reasonings behind this decision haven't been explained to us," Grupo Pachuca said in a release.

"We do not agree with this decision, which we will apply until the last instances with the highest sport authorities, since all the proof and documentation shows our administrative and sporting independence were presented with full opportunity and transparency. We will defend what we earned on the field in a fair and professional way, by following all competition rules."

Grupo Pacheco have said they will appeal the decision.

FIFA's general secretary was responsible for the decision to remove Club León from the tournament.

"No person or legal entity may control or exert influence over more than one club participating in the competition," reads article 10 of FIFA's 2025 Club World Cup ownership rules.

It remains unclear which Concacaf club will take the place of Club León in the upcoming tournament.

Costa Rican side Liga Deportiva Alajuelense has been the most vocal against the participation of both Pachuca and Club León in the Club World Cup, reporting the multi-ownership case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Chris Wood picked up a yellow card for signing autographs and taking pictures with fans during New Zealand's win over Fiji in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The Nottingham Forest striker, who has scored 18 Premier League goals this season, carried his club form onto the international stage with a hat trick in the 7-0 win over Fiji. It was his second hat trick for New Zealand in as many appearances.

Wood was substituted at the hour mark after scoring his third goal, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd at Wellington. He went into the stands to mingle with supporters and on his return to the pitchside was shown a yellow card.

The 33-year-old will still be available for New Zealand's game against New Caledonia in the final of the Oceania qualifying on Monday in Auckland.

"If that's the rules, that's the rules," Wood was quoted as saying by France 24. "Just doing something nice and trying to sign for the fans."

A win would seal automatic qualification for the All Whites to the 2026 World Cup, in what would be their first appearance at the tournament since 2010.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.