[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

lol you're wrong. Backlund had what? 4 points in his first 6 or 7 games?

Backlund had three points in his first three games. Then his offensive production turned dry as a desert.

Then Colborne's ice time started to skyrocket for some unknown reason. You can go look at the "so, what do you think of Joe Colborne so far" thread, and it was almost unanimous that he should/would be playing in the AHL if he wasn't subject to waivers.

As this thread has shown, Flames fans are panicky, biased and play favourites. The complaint here is entirely because Backlund is "our guy" and Colborne is not.

And the reasons for Colborne's increasing ice time aren't all that mysterous. Like Backlund, he isn't generating much offence. But unlike Backlund, he is noticeable in the corners, in front of the net, on the backcheck, etc.

Then suddenly you feel he's playing better and developing better than Backlund once he receives these minutes? Gee, what a coincidence.

Obviously not a coincidence. Colborne moved up the depth chart. Meritocracy.

Maybe if Backlund started in the offensive zone 25% more than he currently is (the spread between him and Colborne is almost Sedin/Malholtra-like), was given more powerplay time, and more ES time, you'd actually appreciate what he brings on a player instead of forgetting about it.

I appreciate what Backlund can do. Don't be so arrogant as to think that I have "forgotten" what Backlund is capable of because I disagree with you. I want Backlund to do better. I want him to grab a more offensive and more consistent role. But he's got to earn it. Plain and simple.