Player Discussion Matt Coronato

[Figgy44]

Coronato continues to struggle against NHLers. He had an extended look last year and didn't hold a spot like Zary did

IIRC, when he had more space and time, he could get in some slick moves. But in a more NHL stifling situation, IMO the biggest thing I sorta notice is that he sorta loses composure and gets smothered/loses the puck relatively easily. However, with a wee more strength, confidence and faster decision making, I think he's an NHL lock.

Different than Honzek. IMO Honzek showed a lot of good, but also seemed totally clueless at times what he was up against. That's why he kept getting boxed out dumped by stronger players. It's not anything training can't address long term, but I kept feeling a little baffled why he wasn't seemingly learning his lesson after getting pushed around and dumped on a ass a few times. He's slightly bigger and doesn't seem super lanky, but IMO his balance on skates occasionally looked worse than smaller guys/prospects like Coronato and Pelletier.

Someone like Honzek is still quite the project IMO, but lots of optimism. Definitely right call to send him down. Coronato IMO is very close, but definitely could use a heavy polishing before being conclusively graduated. I won't argue whether that refinement or polish is better to be completed in the AHL vs NHL though.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Why?

Who's the Flames two best players not named Andersson? Wolf and Zary, both of which played multiple AHL seasons to develop, earned their spot on the team and when on the team they have stayed because they've shown they deserve to be here.

Angelsmith is right, he looked great playing other teams prospects and as the games ramped up his game fell off. I don't get why so many people think that a prospect playing in the AHL getting minutes and continuing to develop is worse than getting NHL time where they look like they don't even belong.

More a comment on how the Flames have been jilted by key players recently.

Basically "small market syndrome"

 

[Bounces R Way]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1852104607998050649

He back

 

[Volica]

Was one of the most noticeable players last night.

 

[Rubi]

Coronato showed up to play last night. Although doing that once every 5 or 6 games just isn't good enough.

 

[Figgy44]

Coronato showed up to play last night. Although doing that once every 5 or 6 games just isn't good enough.

TBH, he was fighting the puck and having difficulty getting opportunities just like the others for most of the time I was watching. IIRC he got outmuscled and boxed out on quite a few shifts. He was just able to cash in by the end of the game.

He certainly doesn't score the goal so quickly in OT without the faceoff win. His tying goal in the 3rd was after the whole team pitched in and kept digging pucks out and putting constant pressure on Montreal for quite a few shifts.

He's going to be hella good when he gets stronger on his skates and able to do what he wants to do without getting boxed out. He's not there yet, but he's close.

 

[Some Other Flame]

Coronato showed up to play last night. Although doing that once every 5 or 6 games just isn't good enough.

Eh, guys like Mantha and Huberdeau seem to have made a career of it

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Far more noticeable after the recent call-up. Great to see him rewarded last night too, hopefully that's what gets him going offensively now.

 

[Nanuuk]

Coronato's skating has improved year over year. His edge work and his first few strides in particular.

Combine that with his hockey smarts and lethal shot (and playing with Backlund and Coleman), I think he is here to stay.

He'll 'go to school' on the Backlund line waiting for a graduation opportunity in the top six.

When that happens watch for the next prospect to come up and play with Backlund.

In this way the Flames will have an established pipeline to success.

 

[joescores]

This kid deserves some appreciation. Been working his socks off, has a sneaky shot and seems like an easy going dude.

Happy for him. Needs more key TOI.

 

[OilersFanatics505]

I am hoping he settles around a 20-20 season. That would be a great step for him. Ballsy of you guys taking a Harvard Player in the top half of the draft but its worked out. Hes gonna be a force next year when he gets bulked up a bit. His skating has improved tremendously.