Yahoo Sports Young Flames Winger Showing He's More Than Just An Elite Shooter
In the past, the Calgary Flames would put young players on the wing with Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman knowing the veterans would serve as great guides and steer their prospect in the right direction. In the case of Matt Coronato, the Flames' dynamic sophomore seems to be the guy frequently driving the play.
On pace for 20 goals and 46 points in his first full NHL season, the 22-year-old has more goals and points than either of his current linemates. He started on the fourth line or in the press box early in the year, and was sent down briefly in late October, but he's been among the team's top forwards ever since.
Elevated to the Flames' most important line — tasked with shutting down the best the Calgary Flames' opponents have to offer on most nights — Coronato has been stellar. Not only does he display the intelligence and awareness of a savvy veteran, he has one of the most lethal shots the franchise has ever hosted.
"It’s good, it’s deceiving," Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf said after Coronato scored his 10th of the year in Chicago. "That goal was one of the top ones I think he’s had, for sure. I have no doubt he’s going to score many more just like that."
Yes, deceptive. But also accurate and fast. It's even tougher to stop because another of Coronato's talents is quick movements to get better angles and a release he can trigger at any time from unusual positions.
“He gets it off quick, probably when the goalies aren't really expecting him to shoot," said Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska. "But it's also hard. And then you throw in accurate with it, too. So he can put it through a goalie."
Averaging nearly 17 minutes a night this season — up more than four from last year when he played 34 games — Coronato is being rewarded for his two-way game, and is trusted to be out there whether protecting a lead late in the game, or trying to overcome a deficit.
His success on the ice is the primary reason he's popular with the fans, but his character is a big reason he's frequently considered the most popular guys in the room by his peers.
They raved when he got into his first NHL fight last week (with his mom in the crowd), and are inspired by his work ethic. They also appreciate his professionalism and general positivity. Coronato is mature and composed beyond his 22 years.
“He's grown a lot this year," Huska said recently, speaking about Coronato's play since his transactional AHL demotion to the Calgary Wranglers. “When guys get sent down, it's up to you (to determine) the attitude that you go down with. The night (Coronato) got sent down, he didn't play for the Wranglers, but he went to their game and was in there after the game, after a win. He could have easily just stayed at home for that one because we didn't ask him to go.
"But it just shows you about the type of person that he is, and his game since he's been back here has continued to get better and better.”
