Coronato ready to build off season-opener experience

Matt Coronato’s NHL debut was an eye-opening experience.

The season debut for the Calgary Flames rookie was on another level.

“It was probably the fastest game I’ve played in, for sure,” Coronato said. “I’ve got to get comfortable with that speed, but I felt good and I’ll continue to get more and more comfortable.”

The opportunity to continue his education will be Saturday when the Flames kick off a five-game road trip against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Coronato goes into the clash armed with a better sense of real NHL hockey. His first ever game, a 3-1 Calgary win over the San Jose Sharks in last season’s finale, was a meeting between two non-playoff clubs playing out the string.

The 5-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets in the Saddledome on Wednesday was at another gear.

“You start in training camp. Then it takes a step in exhibition (season). It takes another step at the start of regular season. It’s gonna take another step around Christmas, another step around trade deadline,” coach Ryan Huska said. “Young guys, they figure it out in a hurry. I’m glad to hear he took that in.”

On the plus side of that game, Coronato tied for the club lead with three shots on goal and came within a whisker of burying a power-play chance set up by Jonathan Huberdeau.

On negative, he and his line — mainly center Nazem Kadri and with a few different players on left wing — struggled to generate offense and was on the ice for a pair of Winnipeg goals, including Mark Scheifele’s late third-period tally that made it 3-3.

All in all, it was a big learning experience as Coronato moves into the season.

“Definitely a little nervous at first, but I settled in. For me, I’m just trying to go out there and work hard. I was able to get my feet moving a couple of times and make some plays,” he said.

“I’m confident in the way I play and my game, so I’m just trying to whatever I can at the best of my ability.”