Calgary Flames fall to the St. Louis Blues 4–2 in home opener

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

How did the game play out?

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

In the middle frame, St. Louis looked better, closer to the team that they can be on their best night. Approximately 13 minutes into the second, Jake Neighbours tied the game up at one after driving the net and putting one past Dustin Wolf. Then, just 2:04 after, Robert Thomas took the lead on the power play with a shot from below the circles. However, the Blues didn’t hold the league for long. Just 32 seconds later, Matt Coronato picked up the puck and rifled one past Joel Hofer. His second of the night tied the game up, which is how it stayed for the rest of the period. Additionally, Dustin Wolf made an unbelievable stick save, and Joel Hanley helped out afterwards, keeping the game tied at two. Shots in the second were 12–14 in favour of Calgary.

The final 20 rolled around, and the Flames slowed down, and St. Louis pounced on that. Especially in the final 10, where they really did allow the Blues to take the game. With under nine minutes left, Jake Neighbours scored his second, tipping in a Colton Parayko point shot that fooled Dustin Wolf. Just over two and a half minutes after a similar situation played out. Tyler Tucker sent a shot barreling towards Wolf from the blue line. The puck was then deflected by free-agent addition Pius Suter, the icing on the cake that ended the game. Calgary kept on going, and until the very end, they pushed for a chance to tie it up.

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

Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee shined brightly

Both Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee look great and had multiple chances in the offensive zone. The two have been looking to revitalize themselves since being traded to Cowtown in January. While last season was a disappointing one for the pair, they each have been off to a hot start to this campaign.

Frost had multiple slick passes that almost led to a goal. Farabee was the same and looked poised to put one in the back of the net. It wasn’t just that, but Farabee also had an important shot block at a time when the Blues were amping up the pressure. The two are poised for a season in which they become true play drivers on the Flames.

Zayne Parekh is settling right in

Zayne Parekh made his season debut Saturday afternoon, and it didn’t disappoint. Parekh slotted in on the second power play unit and on the third pair next to Brayden Pachal. Parekh skated so effortlessly, showing off his prowess that made him such a dangerous player in the OHL. He had the puck on a string and kept the play moving. In the offensive zone, he would walk the blue line, creating space around him, and he opened up passing/shooting lanes.

Parekh also had a point shot that beat Hofer, but couldn’t quite beat the post. He easily could become a first-pairing defenceman soon enough. Parekh made multiple breakout passes that started a rush attempt that showed promise for the Flames. Parekh continues to make a case to be a mainstay on this roster over the likes of Jake Bean.

Next up, the Flames face off against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.