Flames Lose to Ducks as Suniev Scores First NHL Goal

The Calgary Flames extended their losing streak to open the season to five games on Saturday, falling 4-2 to the Anaheim Ducks in Calgary despite a breakthrough performance from rookie Aydar Suniev. The 21-year-old scored his first NHL goal, giving the rebuilding Flames an encouraging individual milestone while the team continued its worst season-opening run in franchise history.

According to Sportsnet's game report published October 11, 2026, Suniev tied the contest after collecting a pass from Matt Coronato and beating Anaheim goaltender Ville Husso from a sharp angle. The goal followed Jonathan Castagna's NHL debut two nights earlier, when the young forward recorded an assist.

Suniev, a 2023 third-round draft pick, had appeared in parts of three seasons with Calgary for a total of nine games. His scoring potential was evident in the 45 goals and 90 points he recorded in 50 games with Penticton, and he also led the Flames in preseason scoring.

After Connor Zary was demoted to the Wranglers, Suniev earned a promotion to Calgary's top line alongside Morgan Frost and Coronato. The trio generated several scoring opportunities, while Coronato finished with two assists.

Suniev described the milestone as a dream fulfilled and credited his teammate for setting up the scoring chance.

"It's so great — you dream about it, scoring your first goal, and here it is," Suniev said.

The Russian forward also expressed appreciation for Coronato's contribution to the play.

"Thanks Matty for the pass. I was so happy for that."

Despite Calgary's improved performance, Anaheim secured the victory through Ryan Poehling's go-ahead goal, a five-hole finish that put the Ducks ahead 3-2 in the third period. Poehling appeared to injure his left knee moments later when he crashed into the goalpost.

Nikita Nesterenko added an insurance goal with three minutes remaining, sealing Anaheim's 4-2 win. Husso stopped 27 shots for the Ducks, while Calgary goaltender Dustin Wolf made 24 saves, including a breakaway stop against Nesterenko midway through the second period.

Flames coach Ryan Huska considered the performance his team's strongest of the young season, pointing to improved execution despite another defeat.

"I thought that was our best game to date," Huska said.

Calgary had trailed 3-2 before Nesterenko's late goal, remaining within reach of a result until the final minutes. Huska said the team had shown progress after struggling in its first games, although the improved play had yet to produce a win.

Several other Calgary players contributed encouraging performances. Simon Nemec recorded an assist, finished plus-2 and led the team with 23:37 of ice time, while Matvei Gridin created scoring opportunities with several effective passes during his time on the second line with Martin Pospisil and Ryan Strome.

Defenseman Kevin Bahl also delivered a physical performance early in the game, landing a clean neutral-zone hit on Sam Colangelo. Huska praised Bahl's development into a top-pairing defenseman after the player initially joined the organization in a depth role.

"Tonight he was excellent. To me he was our best player on the ice. I'm really proud of the way he's developed and brought his game along, and as we talked about a lot last year he's added that physical component," Huska said.

The defeat left Calgary with an 0-5 record to begin the season, while Suniev's first NHL goal and the team's more competitive performance provided notable developments amid its rebuilding campaign.