not a surprise to hear those words about Backlund. I suspect the biggest issue with most 20 year old players is consistency.
I've seen that a lot in his countryman, Patrik Berglund. Flashes of brillance, followed by shifts or games were he's invisible.
Backlund will figure it out. Playing 23 games, and spending over a quarter of the season in the NHL was a good first year
the Vancouver Sun has the same article with a little more detail
Quote:
"Mike's play did level off," Playfair said. "When he first came back, I thought he was below average.
"I thought he revved up and played very well in the middle and then went back below average at the very end."
In 13 playoff games, Backlund registered one goal and nine points.
"He wasn't anywhere near as good as he had to be for us to win," Playfair said. "But he's a young player. We forget that. This is his first year. I get frustrated with him. I expect more, because I've seen him give more. "
Backlund turned 21 in March.
"He's really had lots of ups and downs," Playfair said." But if you step back and take an objective look at it, it was a pretty good first year for Mikael Backlund."
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/I...#ixzz0njK60mYz
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