Calgary Flames Empty Net Tactics: Offensive Push vs. Defensive Protection

Pulling the goalie for an extra attacker is one of the most dramatic, high-stakes decisions in hockey. For the Calgary Flames, mastering the delicate balance between an all-out offensive push and responsible defensive protection in these final minutes can be the difference between a crucial comeback win and a heartbreaking empty-net goal against. It’s a high-wire act that tests a team’s structure, personnel, and nerve.

Whether the Flames are down by one at the Scotiabank Saddledome, with the C of Red on its feet, or trying to protect a slim lead on the road, the empty-net situation is a pivotal tactical moment. This guide will break down the key considerations, from Coach Ryan Huska’s bench decisions to the on-ice execution by players like Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri. By the end, you’ll understand the step-by-step process the Flames use to navigate these tense final moments, turning chaos into a calculated strategy.

What You'll Need to Understand These Tactics

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s set the stage. To fully grasp the Flames' approach to empty-net situations, you should be familiar with a few core concepts:

The Game State: The score and time remaining dictate everything. A one-goal deficit with 1:30 left demands a different approach than a two-goal deficit with three minutes left.
Face-Off Location: Where the puck is dropped is critical. An offensive-zone draw is a golden opportunity to pull Jacob Markström early. A defensive-zone face-off? That’s a much riskier proposition.
Player Personnel: Not every skater is built for the 6-on-5 unit. It requires a specific blend of skill, hockey IQ, net-front presence, and defensive awareness.
Momentum: Has the team been buzzing in the offensive zone, or have they been trapped in their own end? The flow of the game heavily influences the timing of the goalie pull.

With these factors in mind, let’s walk through how the Flames approach these critical scenarios.

Step 1: The Bench Decision – To Pull or Not to Pull?

This is where Ryan Huska and his staff earn their money. The decision to pull Markström isn't just a guess; it's a data-informed, gut-check call.

The Offensive Pull (Chasing the Game): The primary trigger is typically when the Flames gain possession in the offensive zone with about 1:30 to 2:00 remaining in a one-goal game. The ideal moment is after a sustained shift of pressure, forcing a stoppage. Huska will signal to Markström, who heads to the bench for the extra attacker—usually a skilled forward like Connor Zary or a sharpshooting defenseman.
The Defensive Protection (Protecting a Lead): When the Flames are up by one and the opponent has pulled their goalie, the tactic flips. Here, the focus is on defensive structure, shot-blocking, and safe, hard clears. The priority is not to score a second empty-netter, but to prevent the tying goal at all costs. This is where a veteran like Nazem Kadri, who is responsible in all three zones, becomes invaluable.

Pro Tip: Watch for "commercial break" pulls. Smart coaches like Huska will often pull the goalie coming out of a TV timeout. This gives the 6-on-5 unit a full, fresh 1:30 shift with a set play drawn up, rather than pulling mid-shift with tired players.

Step 2: Assembling the 6-on-5 Unit (Offensive Scenario)

You can't just throw any six players over the boards. GM Craig Conroy has built a roster with versatility in mind for these exact moments. The ideal unit blends different skills:

1. The Quarterback: A defenseman or elite playmaker who can control the puck at the blue line and quarterback the setup. This is a perfect role for Jonathan Huberdeau, whose vision and passing can dissect a packed defense.


2. The Net-Front Presence: One or two players who plant themselves around the crease, creating screens, battling for rebounds, and causing havoc. This is a gritty job.


3. The Shooters: Players positioned in the "home plate" area between the face-off dots, ready to one-time passes or pounce on loose pucks. Nazem Kadri excels here.


4. The High Safety Valve: Often a defenseman, this player stays high in the zone to keep pucks in, relieve pressure, and be the first layer of defense against a breakout.

The unit must have an innate understanding of Flames offensive zone setup tactics, but with even less room for error. Movement without the puck is paramount.

Step 3: Executing the Offensive Zone Setup & Possession

Once the six are on the ice, it’s about execution. The chaotic "firewagon" approach rarely works against disciplined NHL teams. The Flames aim for a structured, possession-based attack.

Establish the Zone: Clean entry is key. Dump-and-chase is a last resort. The preference is a controlled entry with speed, often using the extra man to create a numerical advantage at the blue line.
Rotate and Overload: Players rotate positions in a fluid, umbrella-like formation. The goal is to overload one side of the ice, forcing the penalty-killing team to collapse, and then quickly swing the puck to the weak side for an open shot. This ties directly into broader Flames team strategy tactics focused on puck movement.
Puck Recovery is a Five-Man Job: When a shot is taken, all five skaters have a role. The shooters drive for rebounds, the point men hold the line, and the high safety is ready to pinch or retreat. Losing the puck often means a 200-foot race the other way.

Common Mistake: Forcing low-percentage passes through the middle. A turnover at the offensive blue line or in the high slot is a near-certain empty-net goal against. Patience and puck management are everything.

Step 4: The Defensive Scramble & Recovery

Inevitably, the other team will get a clear or block a shot. This is the most dangerous moment. The Flames' 6-on-5 unit must instantly transition to a defensive mindset.

The First Backchecker: The player who loses the puck or takes the shot has the first responsibility to hustle back. There is no time for frustration.
Staggered Retreat: The unit should not all race back to their own net in a pack. They retreat in layers, with the first forward back pressuring the puck carrier and others picking up trailers. This is where the integration of defensive principles into Flames special teams tactical integration is tested.
The Sacrificial Play: If an opponent is heading for the empty net, a Flames player must be willing to take a penalty, or even let the opponent score, to prevent a clean shot. A hooking penalty is better than a guaranteed goal, as it stops play and allows Markström to return to the net for a defensive zone face-off.

Step 5: The Defensive 6-on-5 (Protecting a Lead)

When the roles are reversed, the Flames' tactics become purely defensive. The objective is simple: get the puck out of the defensive zone and down the ice.

The Formation: The Flames will often use a 1-2-2 "wedge" formation, with one forward pressuring the puck carrier, two in the shooting lanes, and two closer to the net for rebounds and clears.
Clear with Purpose: Icing the puck is acceptable and often preferable to a risky short-area pass that leads to a turnover. The best clear is high off the glass and out, or a hard rim around the boards that allows for a line change.
The Calculated Risk: If a clear opportunity presents itself, a player like Connor Zary may be given the green light to try for the empty net, but only if the risk is minimal. The primary rule is: don't force it.

Pro Tip: Watch Jacob Markström in these situations. Even from the bench, he's often the most vocal player, directing traffic and warning his teammates of threats he can see from his unique vantage point.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tip: Communication is Non-Negotiable. On a loud night at the Saddledome, players must yell, point, and make eye contact. A miscommunication on who’s covering who leads to disaster.
Mistake: Pulling Too Early in a Bad Spot. Pulling the goalie when you’re trapped in your own zone or after an icing is a classic error. Always wait for a moment of possession and control.
Tip: Practice Makes… Preparedness. The Flames regularly practice 6-on-5 and 6-on-4 scenarios. These are rehearsed plays, not improvisation.
Mistake: Over-stickhandling. Trying to be too cute with the extra man is a killer. Keep plays simple: shoot for rebounds, move the puck quickly, and get it to the net.
Tip: Know the Opponent. Some teams in the Pacific Division and Western Conference are more aggressive on the penalty kill when facing 6-on-5. The Flames' pre-scouting will adjust their setup to exploit that.

Your Flames Empty-Net Tactics Checklist

Use this bullet-point summary to spot the key steps the next time the Flames face a crucial empty-net situation:

• Assess the Game State: Check the score, clock, and zone possession. Is it the right time?


• Make the Bench Call: Coach Huska signals for the goalie pull at an optimal moment (e.g., offensive zone face-off, post-timeout).


• Deploy the Specialized Unit: Send out a balanced 6-man group with a designated QB, shooters, net-front presence, and safety valve.


• Establish Offensive Zone Control: Execute a clean entry and set up in a rotating formation to create shooting lanes and overloads.


• Prioritize Puck Management: Take smart shots, avoid high-risk passes through traffic, and have all five players committed to puck recovery.


• Execute the Defensive Transition: The moment possession is lost, initiate a layered backcheck with the first forward applying immediate pressure.


• Make the Safe, Hard Clear: When protecting a lead, prioritize getting the puck 200 feet down the ice. Icing is a valid and safe option.


• Communicate Relentlessly: From the bench to the ice, constant verbal and non-verbal communication is essential for structure and awareness.

Mastering the empty-net scenario is a season-long project. For the Calgary Flames, success in these tense moments could mean crucial points in a tight Pacific Division race or a memorable comeback in the next Battle of Alberta. It’s where strategy, skill, and sheer will collide on the ice.