Flames forward relishes homecoming as team shows resilience in playoff chase

For Calgary Flames winger Matt Coronato, this week has been about more than just hockey; it's been a homecoming. As the Flames make their way through the New York area, Saturday’s game against the Islanders is particularly meaningful for the young forward.

Coronato, who grew up on Long Island as a passionate Islanders fan, is getting the rare opportunity to play in front of the family, friends, and mentors who helped him reach the NHL.

“It's awesome to get to have so many people come and watch and be a part of it,” Coronato told the Calgary Flames website team on Friday. “So thankful for so many people that helped me get to this point.”

With wins in Manhattan and New Jersey after a trip-opening loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Coronato has already been in the area for a few days, making the most of the Flames’ schedule. With multiple games in close proximity, his support group has been able to watch him play live—something they haven’t had many chances to do as he chases his hockey dream.

“For them to be able to come to a few games this week has been really special,” Coronato added.

While the homecoming is a highlight, there’s no time to slow down. The Flames are in the thick of a heated battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and every remaining game is crucial. With back-to-back wins to start this trip, they’ve positioned themselves well, but they know the job isn’t done yet.

“It’s been a great trip so far - two big wins,” Coronato said. “So, every game is so important right now. So, it'd be really big to finish this road trip off the right way.”

Coronato has played a key role in Calgary’s success, ranking fourth in team scoring with 18 goals and 35 points in 63 games. His elite shot and ability to find open space have made him a dangerous offensive weapon, and he’s been feeling confident with the puck on his stick.

“It’s great to see some pucks go in,” he said. “And I think when we're working and playing the right way, the offence will come.”

As the Flames continue their playoff push, Coronato’s homecoming serves as both a personal milestone and a reminder of just how far he’s come.

“Yeah, it’s cool,” he said. “It’s been nice being here this week, having all the support from family and friends. Definitely been enjoying it.”

15h ago

Topics

Kadri, Coronato each score as Flames beat Rangers 2-1

Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato scored first-period goals and the Calgary Flames beat the New York Rangers 2-1 on Tuesday night. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar added two assists and Kadri aslo had an ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Injured Flames forward Backlund week-to-week

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, the team announced Friday.
ESPN - Mar. 14
Calgary Flames Recall Dryden Hunt From AHL

The Calgary Flames have recalled forward Dryden Hunt from the Calgary Wranglers, it was announced Friday.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Flames & Wranglers Busy Adjusting Rosters

The Calgary Flames (30-23-11) play the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, ending a three-game homestand before their final trip to the East Coast next week.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Rangers waste Igor Shesterkin's fine play in 2-1 loss to Flames

The Rangers, in a scrap for a final spot in the playoffs, failed to show much of a fight at all in a 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
How rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf saved the Calgary Flames' season

The Northern California native, and 214th overall pick in 2019, has his team right in the playoff mix.
ESPN - 13h
The Mood In The Rangers Locker Room is ‘Intense’ With Eyes On The Playoffs

The New York Rangers’ 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night was inexcusable and there’s no doubt about that.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Flames' Connor Zary suspended 2 games for elbowing Canucks' Elias Pettersson

Calgary forward Connor Zary was suspended two games without pay Thursday for elbowing Vancouver defenseman Elias Pettersson during the Canucks' 4-3 shootout victory over the Flames. Zary was ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13
Flames: No Update On Captain's Injury

Not only did the Calgary Flames lose to the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in a shootout, but they lost their captain Mikael Backlund to an upper body injury in the first period.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13

Flames forward relishes homecoming as team shows resilience in playoff chase

Topics

Related

Kadri, Coronato each score as Flames beat Rangers 2-1

Injured Flames forward Backlund week-to-week

Calgary Flames Recall Dryden Hunt From AHL

Flames & Wranglers Busy Adjusting Rosters

Rangers waste Igor Shesterkin's fine play in 2-1 loss to Flames

How rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf saved the Calgary Flames' season

The Mood In The Rangers Locker Room is ‘Intense’ With Eyes On The Playoffs

Flames' Connor Zary suspended 2 games for elbowing Canucks' Elias Pettersson

Flames: No Update On Captain's Injury

More from Yahoo Sports

George Foreman death: Heavyweight boxing legend and grill namesake dies aged 76

Commanders land impact edge rusher in new mock draft

Grant Holloway three-peats at World Indoor Championships; U.S. sweeps men's 400m medals

Chase, Higgins contracts earn controversial Colin Cowherd take

Saint Mary's vs. Alabama Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for 2025 March Madness

More in Sports

NCAA Wrestling Championships: Schedule, rules, scoring, stats

George Foreman death: Heavyweight boxing legend and grill namesake dies aged 76

Next stop, Tampa: Experts predict women's Final Four and 2025 national champion

Commanders land impact edge rusher in new mock draft

Grant Holloway three-peats at World Indoor Championships; U.S. sweeps men's 400m medals