Calgary Flames rookies Zayne Parekh and Sam Morton turned their NHL debuts into an unforgettable spectacle, both scoring their first career goals in Thursday’s 5-1 rout of the playoff-bound Los Angeles Kings. The 19-year-old Parekh, a top draft pick tipped as a cornerstone of Calgary’s rebuild, showcased his offensive instincts by redirecting Mikael Backlund’s shot past David Rittich. Moments earlier, undrafted forward Sam Morton had ignited the Flames’ third-period surge, burying a slick pass from Ryan Lomberg to open his NHL account.
The duo became the first teammates since to score their maiden NHL goals in the same game, a historic bright spot in Calgary’s season finale. Parekh’s goal highlighted his pedigree as an elite puck-moving defenseman, while Morton’s relentless drive to the net underscored his AHL-proven scoring touch (2 goals this season). Kings rookie Taylor Ward also netted his first NHL goal, but the night belonged to Calgary’s fresh faces.
With Nazem Kadri adding two goals and Daniel Vladar making saves, the Flames closed their campaign with a glimpse of a promising future. Parekh and Morton’s immediate impact has fans buzzing about Calgary’s youth movement heading into the offseason.
