Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
Mangiapane outproduced Backlund (by a whopping 1 point in Mang's 75 games vs. Backlund's 82). Not sure why Backlund is getting a pass in this assessment - as he just put up what I believe was one of his weaker seasons in the last half decade.
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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.