The Calgary Flames are aiming to extend their win streak to five games as they face the Anaheim Ducks.
Parekh’s Progress and the Flames’ Future
A moment from Tuesday’s game could be viewed in the future as the start of something special for the Flames. A powerplay goal tied Game 71 of the 2025-26 season at 2-2. It was Zayne Parekh’s first goal on Scotiabank Saddledome ice, assisted by Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato.
These three players are considered key pieces of the Flames’ future. They are also integral to the team’s present success.
Gridin hopes to link up with Parekh on plays for the next 15 years. That goal might be the spark that resonates in the two rookies’ minds.
Parekh’s season has been one of learning, playing against men for the first time after a dominant OHL career. The 19-year-old is starting to find his stride in the NHL.
His Head Coach believes Parekh is learning on the fly.
Even if until Tuesday, he hadn’t scored yet this season.
Huska’s View on Parekh and Gridin
Ryan Huska said Parekh needs to remember he’s doing a lot of great things away from the puck and is learning how to play the game at the NHL level. Huska noted that it’s hard to break in as a 19-year-old, especially as a smaller, skilled defenceman.
Huska feels that external sources sometimes put pressure on Parekh. He believes Parekh is learning to be a more complete player and doing an excellent job at that. The points will come for him in time, as he starts to feel comfortable and figures out how to play in the NHL.
Gridin is fast becoming one of the Flames’ premier offensive threats and would be playing at about a 40-point pace had he spent the entire season at the NHL level.
Huska believes the young Russian has the self-confidence to let his game do the talking.
Huska said Gridin understands the game a little bit more right now, which is translating into more offensive production for him. He added that Gridin has a great bit of swagger that the coaches enjoy.
Huska feels that not a lot of young guys have what Gridin’s got. He feels that Gridin understanding the game better now is putting him in positions to finish and generate some offence.
The Future is Now
With 11 games left in the regular season, there’s no time like the present for the future to strut its stuff. Parekh’s first career powerplay goal made for a special moment.
For Huska, those moments are building blocks and confidence-boosters.
For his new, young core, they’re standard-setters, too.
The Flames look to run their win streak to five versus the Anaheim Ducks.