Flames' Coronato staying upbeat as scoring drought continues: 'It's coming'

ELMONT, N.Y. — Matt Coronato couldn’t help but look skyward after his second-period shot clanged off the crossbar and out of harm’s way.

One period later, with his team pressing for a late equalizer, the Flames winger was stymied again when he walked in from the faceoff dot and waited just a split-second too late before a defender reached out with his stick to thwart a golden opportunity.

It was the kind of chance that should have ended a month‑long drought, the kind of moment a kid dreams of burying in front of friends and family.

Instead, for the 14^th game in a row, Coronato finished the night scoreless. And his Flames lost to his childhood team, the New York Islanders, 3-2.

Playing less than 50 kilometres away from his hometown of Greenlawn, N.Y., Coronato finished his team's swing through the tri-state area much differently than he did a year earlier.

This same trip last March saw the Flames sweep the New-York area teams for the first time in club history, paced by four Coronato goals in front of all those who matter most.

He scored in all three games, capping it off with a two-goal outing at UBS Arena in which he came a goal post away from a hat trick.

It not only gave the Flames a significant jolt as they continued their unlikely playoff pursuit, but his coming‑out party also gave fans proof the first‑rounder was on the fast track to stardom.

A year later, his lengthy goalless streak serves as a reminder of how quickly the league can humble you.

Playoffs are no longer on the Flames' radar for at least a few years, as his team is now in full rebuild mode. They're devoid of a No. 1 centre who could theoretically get Coronato the puck more regularly. The team’s best playmaker, Jonathan Huberdeau, is shelved following season-ending hip surgery.

The feeling is different, as is the outlook.

Yet, one thing remains: the 23-year-old right winger is still considered a scoring pillar the team will build around for the next seven years — which is the length of the contract he signed last summer for $45.5 million.

Last season, in his first full NHL campaign, Coronato scored 24 goals and looked every bit the future 30 or 40‑goal threat the organization envisioned.

This year, he’s stuck at 14, saddled with a minus‑28 rating, and searching for the swagger he put on display so often last year.

The cruellest moment of this, his roughest of patches, came Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, where Jonathan Quick delivered one of the saves of the season.

Coronato appeared to have an open net while standing on the doorstep. Quick lunged back, flashed his glove, and stole a sure goal. Coronato finished with nothing to show for six shots, save for a sore neck from looking skyward for answers.

“I feel like it’s coming,” he said Saturday.

“Relax and keep playing the game you know how to play, and the bounces will come.”

Asked if he thought Coronato’s bullet off the crossbar was symbolic of the way his season has gone, Flames coach Ryan Huska also tried to remain upbeat.

“Sure,” he said. 

“I mean, he had a lot of other chances, like even late in the third period where he was walking to the net. Good players go through stretches like he’s in right now. He’ll get himself out of it.”

Huska’s message to Coronato continues to revolve around the importance of moving his feet, staying competitive and shooting as much as possible.

The team could sorely have used his finish late Saturday, when the Flames did well to battle back from a 3-0 first period deficit to get within one thanks to third period goals from Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman.

Alas, Coronato’s streak was extended.

“We all know he’s going through a bit of a stretch right now, but that will change,” said Huska.

“He’s getting his chances, and I’m pretty confident one is gonna go for him sooner rather than later.”