Aydar Suniev keeps shooting, keeps scoring and keeps making the Calgary Flames’ roster decisions more interesting.
The 21-year-old winger struck again Thursday, scoring his team-leading third preseason goal in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena.
Calgary’s young lineup carried a 3-1 lead into the third period. The advantage disappeared, but Suniev’s confidence raged on.
“Every time you score, it gives you a little more confidence each game,” Suniev said. “I’m just trying to use my shot the best way possible, and I’m glad it got in the back of the net tonight as well.”
His goal came during a five-on-three power play at 6:05 of the second period. Suniev found open space in the right circle, accepted a pass from Brennan Othmann and quickly released a wrist shot past Philipp Grubauer.
His description was considerably less dramatic.
“Honestly, I just tried to shoot it on net,” Suniev said. “I saw an opening there, and luckily it went in. I’m glad I scored.”
Luck might have nothing to do with it.
Suniev has scored in each of Calgary’s three September appearances, counting his goal in the NextGen Showcase against Edmonton. His four exhibition goals include two in the Flames’ preseason opener against Seattle and another Thursday in the rematch.
He also skated for more than 20 minutes of ice time Thursday, finishing with two shots, three hits and two blocked shots. His work extended beyond the release that has become his most noticeable skill.
“My first thing is probably my work ethic,” Suniev said. “I try to work hard on and off the ice and on both sides of the puck—and, obviously, try to use my shot as well.”
Jonathan Castagna opened the scoring for Calgary before Bobby McMann tied it late in the first period. Rory Kerins restored the Flames’ lead early in the second, then Suniev doubled it.
Seattle’s veteran push arrived in the third. Defencemen Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans scored six minutes apart, with Matty Beniers assisting on both goals, to erase Calgary’s cushion.
The comeback reinforced the lesson Suniev took from facing a more experienced opponent.
“They’re a good team,” he said. “When you have the lead 3-1, you’ve got to play your game and not let them do anything. They’re a good group, and they can come back.”
Neither side scored in overtime. Beniers and Berkly Catton converted for Seattle in the shootout, while Suniev beat Grubauer on a backhand for Calgary. Grubauer stopped Alex Nylander and Kerins to secure the victory.
Devin Cooley made 23 saves for Calgary, which outshot Seattle 35-26 and went one-for-five on the power play. Grubauer stopped 32 shots.
“We have a younger group, but we still competed hard,” Suniev said. “We worked hard for three periods. Obviously, we didn’t get the win, but we still played well.”
For Calgary, the result was disappointing. For Suniev, the night provided more evidence that his dangerous shot—and increasingly confident overall game—can demand attention.
