Flames Goalie Pull Strategy: 6-on-5 Tactics & Empty Net Situations

Pulling the goalie. It’s one of the most dramatic, high-stress, and potentially game-changing decisions in hockey. For the Calgary Flames, navigating those final minutes when you’re down a goal is a delicate art. When it works, it’s electric—the C of Red is on its feet, and the Saddledome erupts. When it doesn’t, it can feel like a gut punch, often leading to an empty-net dagger that seals the game.

We’ve all seen it: the frantic 6-on-5 attack, the desperate puck battles, and sometimes, the glaring breakdown that leads to the puck sliding into our own empty net. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario that requires flawless execution, clear communication, and smart personnel choices. So, what goes wrong when the Flames pull Jacob Markström, and how can they fix it? Let’s break down the common problems, their symptoms, and practical solutions to make the Flames' late-game, goalie-pulled strategy a more potent weapon.

Problem: Chaotic Zone Entries and Failed Setup

Symptoms: The Flames waste precious time circling back in the neutral zone or dumping the puck in only to lose the chase. The 6-on-5 advantage never actually gets established in the offensive zone. You’ll see players like Jonathan Huberdeau or Nazem Kadri forced to make a low-percentage play at the blue line, resulting in an offside or an easy clear by the opposition.

Causes: This usually stems from a lack of a pre-defined entry plan. All six players aren’t on the same page. Defensemen might be hesitant to join or lead the rush, fearing a turnover and an empty-net goal against. There can also be a tendency for one player to try to do too much individually, rather than using the two extra skaters to create simple, supportive passing options.

Solution: A step-by-step fix for cleaner entries.

1. Designate a Primary Carrier: Before the goalie is even pulled, the coaching staff, led by Ryan Huska, should designate a primary puck carrier for entries—often a poised defenseman or a forward with strong skating and vision like Connor Zary.


2. Use the Two-Man Advantage: The key is to use the numerical superiority in the neutral zone. Implement a "wide-lane" entry. Have two forwards drive wide with speed, forcing the defending team to spread out, which opens seams through the middle.


3. The Late Joiner: The sixth attacker (often a defenseman) should trail the play as a late option, ready to keep the puck in at the blue line or jump into a shooting lane if the initial entry is repelled.


4. Practice Makes Permanent: This isn’t just for games. These specific 6-on-5 zone entry patterns need to be a dedicated part of practice, so the execution becomes instinctual under pressure.

Problem: Perimeter Play and Low-Danger Shots

Symptoms: The Flames successfully set up in the offensive zone but spend the entire time passing the puck around the outside. Shots come from the points or bad angles, with no traffic in front. The opposing goalie sees everything and covers every rebound with ease. The clock ticks down with no genuine scoring threat.

Causes: This is often a symptom of over-passing and a lack of directness. Players might be looking for the "perfect" seam pass for a one-timer, rather than taking what’s given. There can also be a reluctance from forwards to go to the hard areas in front of the net, as all five opponents are typically collapsed into a tight box or diamond formation.

Solution: A step-by-step fix to generate high-danger chances.

1. Establish Net-Front Presence Immediately: The very first priority upon setup should be planting at least one, preferably two, players at the top of the crease. Their job isn’t just to tip pucks; it’s to screen, battle, and hunt rebounds. Nazem Kadri excels in this gritty role.


2. Utilize the "Home Plate" Area: Shots and passes need to be directed from and to the high-slot area (the "home plate" between the face-off dots and down to the net). This forces the defensive box to collapse and open up passing lanes to the weak side.


3. The Rotating Triangle: Implement a rotating triangle formation with your three highest-skilled players (e.g., Huberdeau, Zary, and a defenseman). Their constant movement and interchange can pull defenders out of position and create those precious seams.


4. Shoot for Rebounds and Chaos: With a 6-on-5, not every shot needs to be for a clean goal. Direct pucks to the goalie’s pads with traffic in front. The chaos of a rebound scramble with a two-skater advantage heavily favors the attacking team.

Problem: Catastrophic Turnovers and the Dreaded Empty-Netter

Symptoms: A risky cross-ice pass at the blue line is intercepted. A defenseman fumbles the puck at the point. Suddenly, it’s a footrace the other way, and a Flames player is left in a hopeless chase as the puck slides 190 feet into our empty net. It’s the most demoralizing way to lose a game.

Causes: These turnovers are typically born from fatigue, panic, or poor decision-making. Under pressure, players might try a low-percentage, high-reward pass instead of making the safe play to maintain possession. Defensemen, playing extended shifts, might have tired legs or hands. The fear of making a mistake can ironically lead to making the biggest mistake.

Solution: A step-by-step fix for risk management.

1. The "Safe Side" Rule: Institute a simple rule: all puck retrievals and passes below the goal line must go to the "safe side" (the boards). Never make a pass through the middle of your own zone or the high slot when the net is empty.


2. Designated Safety Valve: One forward (often the center in the setup) must have the sole responsibility of being the high safety. Their positioning is at the top of the circles in the offensive zone, not to score, but to be the first line of defense against a clearance or turnover.


3. Point Men: Communication is Key: The two defensemen at the points must be in constant verbal communication. If one pinches, the other must hold. A non-negotiable rule: they should rarely, if ever, both be below the tops of the circles simultaneously.


4. When to Pull the Goalie (The Math): This is also a strategic cause. Ryan Huska and his staff need to lean on data. The old rule of pulling with 1:30 left is outdated. In many cases, especially with an offensive-zone face-off, pulling the goalie with 2:00 or even 2:30 left increases the probability of tying the game more than the risk of an early empty-netter. It’s about maximizing the 6-on-5 time, not just hoping for a last-second miracle.

Problem: Poor Personnel and Face-Off Deployment

Symptoms: The wrong players are on the ice for a critical offensive-zone draw with the goalie pulled. A player struggling that night or who is less adept at board battles ends up in a key spot. The Flames lose the crucial face-off, and 15-20 seconds are burned chasing the puck.

Causes: This falls on coaching strategy. Sometimes, loyalty to veteran players or rigid line-matching can override the specific needs of a 6-on-5 situation. It’s not always about your top scorers; it’s about your best puck retrievers, net-front specialists, and face-off winners in that particular game.

Solution: A step-by-step fix for optimal deployment.

1. Build a Specialized Unit: The Flames should have a practiced 6-on-5 unit, much like a power-play unit. This isn't just the top line plus two defensemen. It should be curated based on skills: elite vision (Huberdeau), net-front tenacity (Kadri), puck retrieval (Zary), point shots, and face-off prowess.


2. Face-Off First: If you have an offensive-zone draw, the player taking that face-off is the most important selection. It must be your best face-off man on that night, even if he’s not your most offensive player. Winning the draw and establishing immediate control is paramount.


3. The Quick-Change Strategy: Have a plan for a quick change if the initial unit is gassed after 45 seconds. Designate a second wave ready to jump over the boards the moment the Flames gain full possession, not during a loose puck battle.


4. Situational Awareness: If the Flames need to pull the goalie during a defensive-zone face-off, the personnel changes entirely. You need your best defensive forwards and skaters on the ice simply to gain possession and get the puck 200 feet before you can even think about setting up.

Problem: Defensive Breakdowns on the "Last Chance" Rush

Symptoms: The Flames have sustained pressure but don't score. The opponent finally gets control and fires the puck down the ice. Instead of a simple empty-netter, it turns into a 2-on-1 or 3-on-2 against our lone defender, making the highlight reel for all the wrong reasons.

Causes: This is an "all-in" mentality backfiring. In the desperate push to score, all five skaters get caught deep in the offensive zone, below the face-off dots. There is no layered structure, leaving no one in position to defend a sudden clearance.

Solution: A step-by-step fix for maintaining defensive integrity.

1. The Staggered Layer System: Even in a 6-on-5, your formation should have three layers. Layer 1: Net-front and below-goal-line players. Layer 2: Players in the slot and half-wall areas. Layer 3: One player (the "high safety") at the top of the circles/blue line. This layer is responsible for any sudden clears.


2. The "Bailout" Call: A specific verbal cue, like "Bail! Bail!" needs to be used the second the puck is cleared past the high safety. This triggers an immediate, organized retreat. The two defensemen should be the first to turn and skate hard, not to chase the puck carrier, but to get back between the puck and our empty net.


3. Smart Shot Selection: Taking a low-percentage shot from a bad angle that hits the goalie’s chest is essentially a turnover. It leads to an easy freeze and a face-off outside the zone, or worse, a quick outlet pass. Encourage players to only take shots that have a high probability of a rebound, tip, or recovery.

Prevention Tips for a Sharper 6-on-5

Preventing these issues starts long before the final two minutes of a one-goal game.
Dedicated Practice Time: The Flames must regularly practice 6-on-5 and 6-on-4 scenarios with specific set plays, just like the power play. This builds muscle memory and chemistry.
Video Review: The coaching staff should break down every 6-on-5 sequence—the good and the bad—from around the league, not just their own games. What do elite teams like Colorado or Carolina do? Emulate their structure.
Data-Driven Decisions: GM Conroy and the analytics team should provide Ryan Huska with clear data on optimal pull times based on score, zone starts, and even which players have the best underlying numbers in 6-on-5 situations.
Communication Drills: Practice the specific verbal commands for entries, rotations, and bailouts. On-ice communication in the deafening noise of the Saddledome needs to be crystal clear.

When to Seek Professional Help

Let’s be honest, if these problems persist chronically, it points to larger issues. If the Flames consistently fail in 6-on-5 situations over a significant stretch of the 2023-24 NHL season, it’s a sign that the systemic and strategic approach needs an overhaul.

This is when Ryan Huska and his staff need to deeply re-evaluate their entire late-game protocol. Are they using the right personnel? Are their practiced systems too complex for high-pressure moments? It might be time to bring in a consultant who specializes in game theory and special teams strategy. Furthermore, if the struggles in the Pacific Division or the West consistently come down to losing these critical one-goal games, it becomes a defining flaw that GM Conroy must consider when evaluating the roster’s composition and the team’s strategic direction. After all, mastering the art of the comeback is what separates playoff teams from the rest, especially in the tight-checking Western Conference.

Mastering the 6-on-5 is a blend of bold strategy, meticulous practice, and ice-cool execution. For the Flames, turning this high-leverage situation from a recurring headache into a reliable weapon could be the key to flipping close losses into thrilling wins, much to the delight of the C of Red.

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Want to dive deeper into Flames strategy? Check out our breakdown of the team’s overall team strategy and tactics, or learn how they create pressure with our guide to Flames forechecking systems. For a look at how they plan for specific opponents, read our matchup strategy analysis.