Jake Neighbours scored twice as the St. Louis Blues defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2, with Colton Parayko setting up the game-winner and Joel Hofer turning away 27 shots in his season-opening start over Jordan Binnington.

Robert Thomas added a goal and an assist, and Pius Suter also lit the lamp, while Matt Coronato struck twice for Calgary. Dustin Wolf made 24 saves in a busy night for the Flames’ netminder as Calgary dropped to 1-2-0 despite a spirited effort.

Calgary’s offense was hampered by Jonathan Huberdeau’s undisclosed injury absence, and Calgary’s power play remained quiet. The Blues surged in the second and rode Neighbours’ drought-ending marker to a pivotal win. Next up, St. Louis visits Vancouver, while Calgary hosts Vegas in a quick back-to-back.

Calgary leans on Kadri’s scoring punch and a budding supporting cast to finally push back into the playoffs, while Huska and Conroy emphasize work ethic and depth. With Huberdeau, Wolf and a youthful core driving the push, the Flames face a tougher opener and a heavy schedule that tests their upgraded but unproven depth.

The club bets on continued improvement from Coronato and Zary, a featured role for Wolf behind the crease, and a defense corps that must stay healthy and cohesive behind Andersson’s uncertain status. A new arena project adds off-ice momentum as Calgary pursues a sharper step forward.

Calgary's 2025-26 forward depth is taking shape with locks anchored by Huberdeau, Kadri, Sharangovich, Coronato, Backlund, Frost, Zary and Pospisil. Coleman and Lomberg are near certainties, while Farabee faces scoring and lineup pressure. Klapka and Kerins are clear bubble players, with Honzek, Hunt, Morton and Kirkland pushing for a last slot. An Andersson trade could shuffle both forward and defense depth, making camp pivotal for early-season roles.

The lineup leans toward a possible 14F/7D if the trade lands; Zary-Frost-Coronato could form a dynamic third line, with Backlund possibly sliding to 4C. The Oilers weekend series and Wranglers prospects provide a live read on the pipeline as no veteran PTOs have been added yet, keeping Calgary flexible into training camp.