CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Matt Coronato scored his first NHL hat trick, leading the Calgary Flames to a decisive 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night. Coronato's explosive performance showcased his potential and was pivotal for the Flames as they looked to gain momentum following two losses.
The night started off shaky for Calgary when Frank Vatrano opened the scoring for Anaheim with a short-handed goal. Vatrano capitalized on a turnover by Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, finding the back of the net at 11:54 of the first period. This early setback could have set the tone for the Flames, but they responded quickly.
Just 15 seconds after the start of the second period, Adam Klapka tied the game with his first goal of the season. With quick footwork, Klapka maneuvered around Anaheim's defense and scored with finesse, breathing life back to the Flames’ side.
Coronato then took center stage. He put Calgary on top with 44 seconds remaining in the second period, firing a wrist shot from the high slot, catching Ducks goalie John Gibson off guard. This goal gave the Flames the momentum needed heading to the third period.
Fast forward to the third period: Coronato doubled his lead with 3:50 left. Seizing upon Gibson's mistake during a clearing attempt, he tapped the loose puck past the Anaheim netminder to extend the Flames’ lead to 3-1. Coronato culminated his standout performance with an empty-net goal from his own zone, sealing the victory with 2:23 to spare.
Dustin Wolf shone brightly for the Flames, making 31 saves and keeping the Ducks at bay. His performance was particularly impressive as he faced several challenging shots not only from Vatrano but also from other Ducks players eager to level the playing field.
Despite their strong start, the Ducks struggled to convert on their power plays, finishing 0 for 4. Coronato's hat trick came amid trade rumors swirling around the Flames, making his impressive showing even more significant. Team management's decision to scratch winger Andrei Kuzmenko sparked conversations about potential lineup changes leading up to trade deadlines.
Key moments sprinkled throughout the match included Calgary's adaptable strategies and scrappy play, showcasing their determination to remain competitive as they vie for playoff positioning. The Flames now hold a remarkable 23-3-4 record when leading or tied after two periods, underscoring their resilience.
Looking forward, the Flames are set to face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, seeking to capitalize on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Ducks will host the Montreal Canadiens, eager to bounce back from this setback. The strong performances from rookies like Coronato may provide the Flames with the boost they need as they aim for postseason glory.