Calgary Flames fall 4-2 to the St. Louis Blues in home opener – The Win Column

In their third game of the season, the Calgary Flames played their home opener against the St. Louis Blues. Zayne Parekh was in line for his season debut with Jake Bean out. Jonathan Huberdeau was still out and Justin Kirkland withdrew from the lineup in favor of Samuel Honzek. After these changes were implemented, the team got off to a strong start and had perhaps its best offensive performance since the previous season.

How did the game go?

The game started and the Flames got off to a hot start. They dictated the play and the flow of the game and forced the Blues to play at their level. Calgary also created many Grade A chances; However, Joel Hofer, who got the start for the Blues, stopped them at every turn. St. Louis was also extremely undisciplined in the first, taking three penalties, although Calgary did get two. The Flames’ power play, which struggled mightily last season, looked dangerous this afternoon. Puck movement in the offensive zone, they created chances, waiting for the right chance. On the second power play, patience paid off when Matt Coronato scored one from the left circle. The period ended 1-0 Calgary, with them also leading in shots at 9-4.

In the middle frame, St. Louis looked better, closer to the team they could be on their best night. About 13 minutes into the second, Jake Neighbors tied the game at one after driving the net and putting one past Dustin Wolf. Just 2:04 later, Robert Thomas took the lead on the power play with a shot from under the circles. However, the Blues did not hold the competition for long. Just 32 seconds later, Matt Coronato picked up the puck and fired one past Joel Hofer. His second of the night tied the game, and it stayed that way for the rest of the period. Plus, Dustin Wolf made an incredible stick save, and Joel Hanley chipped in afterward, keeping the game tied at two. Shots in the second were 12-14 in favor of Calgary.

The final twenty rolled around and the Flames slowed down, and St. Louis pounced on them. Especially in the last 10 where they really let the Blues get the win. With less than nine minutes left, Jake Neighbors scored his second, tapping in a Colton Parayko point shot that fooled Dustin Wolf. Just over two and a half minutes after a similar situation occurred. Tyler Tucker sent a shot from the blue line toward Wolf. The puck was then deflected by free agent Pius Suter, the icing on the cake that ended the game. Calgary kept going and until the end they pushed for a chance to capture it.

In the end, the Blues were too much for them and took away the two points. Although the game didn’t end the way they would have liked, there were still some positives to take away from the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee shone brightly

Both Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee looked great and had multiple opportunities in the offensive zone. The two have been looking to revitalize themselves since being traded to Cowtown in January. Although last season was a disappointing one for the pair, they all had a good start to this season.

Frost had several slick passes that almost led to a goal. Farabee was the same and looked ready to put one in the back of the net. Not only was that the case, but Farabee also had an important shot block at a time when the Blues were turning up the pressure. The two are ready for a season in which they will become real drivers for the Flames.

Zayne Parekh is right there

Zayne Parekh made his season debut on Saturday afternoon and did not disappoint. Parekh scored on the second power play unit and on the third pair alongside Brayden Pachal. Parekh skated so effortlessly and showed off the ability that made him such a dangerous player in the OHL. He had the puck on a string and kept the game moving. In the offensive zone, he walked the blue line, creating space around him, and opened up passing/shooting lanes.

Parekh also had a point shot that beat Hofer, but couldn’t quite beat the post. He could easily become a first-pairing defender soon enough. Parekh made multiple breakout passes that set off a rushing effort that showed promise for the Flames. Parekh continues to make a case for being a mainstay in this squad, above the likes of Jake Bean.

Next up, the Flames will take on the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM MT.

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