Flames Scratch Rookie Coronato Ahead of Rangers Clash
The Calgary Flames are making a notable lineup change ahead of their game against the New York Rangers — rookie forward Matt Coronato will be a healthy scratch. It’s a move that caught the attention of fans, considering Coronato had been part of the lineup through the team’s early struggles this season.
Head coach Ryan Huska explained that the decision was less about punishment and more about giving the young forward a mental reset. Coronato, who has scored two goals and added one assist through nine games, has been showing signs of pressing too hard on the ice. Huska mentioned that things have “become forced” for him lately, suggesting the 21-year-old is trying to do too much rather than letting the game come naturally.
Coronato’s benching comes at a time when the Flames have been struggling to find consistency and confidence as a group. The team has lost multiple close games and hasn’t been able to generate enough offensive rhythm. For a young player like Coronato — one who thrives on confidence and rhythm — it’s easy for things to snowball when the entire team is pressing.
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The coach believes taking him out for a night might actually help him find his footing again. It’s expected that Coronato will return to the lineup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, giving him a few days to reset mentally and get back to playing with his natural energy and instincts.
This kind of decision isn’t unusual for developing players. Even the most talented prospects can hit stretches where the game feels heavy. Sometimes, a short break allows them to view things from the bench, learn from teammates’ shifts, and come back with a clearer mindset.
For the Flames, the focus against the Rangers will shift to finding a spark from other parts of the lineup. The team’s leaders have admitted that “it sucks right now,” referring to their early-season results. Still, they’ve emphasized the importance of staying positive and continuing to push forward.
Calgary will be hoping that a change in lineup energy — and perhaps some added motivation from Coronato watching from the sidelines — can help them reset as a group. Coronato’s story, for now, serves as a small snapshot of a team still searching for its identity early in the campaign.
As the Flames prepare to take on a strong Rangers squad, all eyes will be on how the team responds without one of their promising young forwards on the ice.
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