[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Guess it all comes down to the 200 feet of ice, and who you see as a driver.

Backlund has been a consistent line driver who puts up 40 points a season and has intangibles out the wazoo.

Last year 39 points - check
2nd on the team in xGF% behind linemate Coleman - check

Now Mangiapane is good too ... play driving wise, but he also plays with Backlund.

I usually defend Mangiapane to the people that pile on, but Backlund has always elevated players he's played with, and I'm not sure that's the case with Mangiapane.

I don't see anything in Backlund's season that's disappointing at all. A point under his checkmark production, but now in his mid 40s is a solid season from a vet.

Mid 40s!!!?