Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
Backlund has 22 points, the same amount as Sam Bennett. He's only behind the top unit of Gaudreau, Monahan, Giordano, Hudler, and Brodie. He's one of the few plus players on the team despite taking the harder matchups. That's the very definition of a 2nd line center. He might be better suited to 3rd line duties, but to say he's useless on the 2nd line or his game has been garbage is hyperbolic and shows your bias against him.
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Backlund has the same amount of points as a 19 year old kid, exactly. Actually he has not had the harder matchups, Hartley has mostly played 1st vs 1st line or 3rd vs first line. It is time for people to stop defending a player people at one time hoped would become a good two way C. It isn't happening. I watch every game even if it was pvr'ed and the eye test does not lie. He kills offensive plays, he hurts the PP every time he is out there on it. Before this season I would agree he was very good at shadowing top players or used in a defensive role but this season he has been terrible. Why would I have bias against him when I have been always supportive of the guy since day one? Just because he is a Calgary Flame does not mean he gets a free pass from me like it seems to be for other fans. I see absolutely nothing he currently brings to this roster right now. Can't win faceoffs, can't backcheck well, turns over pucks, can't do anything in the offensive zone. What does he bring?