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Tanguay backlund Iginla
Backlund has only two goals and three points on the season but could get a boost from his new linemates.
Mikael Backlund News
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Backlund returns to lineup..Brent Sutter says "Back needs to compete harder." Sutter adds he needs to show more emotion.
Look for Backlund to return to the lineup and center the third line. The Vasteras, Sweden native has disappointed thus far with only two goals and three points over 17 games.
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Listening to Brent re: Backlund sitting, he talks about compete level and intensity. He'd know better than us. #Flames
Backlund will take a seat on the bench tonight. He only has two goals and an assist through 17 games -- production that the Flames did not expect.
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Comeau Backlund Stempniak
Backlund moves down to the third line after playing primarily on the top unit. The sophomore has been a dud so far with no points through seven games.
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This morning on Twitter Mikael Backlund confirmed he will indeed return to the line-up tomorrow night versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Backlund has been out since the start of the season with a broken finger, but is apparently 100% after six weeks of rest and two surgeries on the injured digit.
Backlund is expected to pivot the top line of Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla. Look for him to improve on his previous career highs of 10 goals and 25 points.
C Backlund practising with team for first time.
Backlund had been previously skating on his own. When he returns he very well could be handed the number one center role.
He's not too far off, likely the next week or two is the thought.
Backlund was the team's top center during the preseason but is still awaiting his 2011-2012 debut. He scored 10 goals and 25 points over 73 games last season -- totals he probably would have improved upon over a full season. Look for him to get another look on the top line.
#Flames Mikael Backlund (finger) shooting pucks prior to team's practice.
Backlund was the team's top center during the preseason but is still awaiting his 2011-2012 debut. He scored 10 goals and 25 points over 73 games last season -- totals he probably would have improved upon over a full season.
#Flames C Mikael Backlund (finger) skating before practice.
Backlund skating before practice indicates he could return to actual practice shortly. Before getting hurt he was the front-runner to win the number one center gig. Could be a nice sleeper should he get healthy and produce.
After an impressive start to the preseason on a line with Sven Baertschi and Niklas Hagman, Backlund broke his finger and is now expected to miss up to six weeks. This is not the start he had hoped for. This is not the start the team had hoped for.
Backlund was expected to start the season on the top line but suffered this setback. Last season, he scored 10 goals and 25 points through 73 games for the Flames. Temper your expectations for this coming season as he figures to lose around two months of fantasy hockey value.