Greenlawn's Matt Coronato scores twice vs. Islanders
The Calgary Flames' Matt Coronato, of Greenlawn, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL game against the Islanders on Saturday at UBS Arena. Credit: AP/Frank Franklin II
It was quite a homecoming for Greenlawn’s Matt Coronato.
He scored twice — including 36 seconds into the game — with a contingent of family and friends rooting him on from a suite as the Calgary Flames beat the Islanders, 4-3, in overtime on Saturday at UBS Arena in his first NHL game on Long Island.
It served as the capper to a very memorable week. The 22-year-old had a goal in Tuesday’s win over the Rangers and another in Thursday’s victory over the Devils in his first games at Madison Square Garden and Prudential Center.
“It was a great trip,” said Coronato, selected 13th overall in 2021. “It’s been a fun week. The main thing that sticks out is winning all three games at such an important time of the year.”
Coronato, skating on Morgan Frost’s right wing along with Jonathan Huberdeau, was a plus-4 with three shots in 22:08 of ice time against the Islanders.
He opened the scoring with a shot through traffic and then tied it at 2-2 at 6:03 of the second period on the rush from the right off Huberdeau’s feed.
Coronato has 20 goals and 17 assists in 64 games.
“He just plays like he’s in his home backyard, that’s what it feels like,” Flames goalie Dan Vladar said. “I think everybody is happy for him. He’s got his whole family here and great for him that he’s showing his family what kind of player he is.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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