Quote:
Originally Posted by 420since1974
I believe that the Flames “Checking/Shutdown line”, that has been centered by 2C/3C Mikael Backlund for so many years is far underrated.
Most here remember how many players have benefitted from the “Backlund Bump”; Bouma and Mangiapane among them.
16.5 minutes a game + some PK time if you’re solid.
In 2021/2022, the “Checking/Shutdown Line” of the Mangiapane/Backlund/Coleman line allowed the first line of Gaudreau/Lindholm/Tkachuk line to do near anything that they wanted to during home games.
Within 2 years, Backlund and Coleman will both age out, and unfortunately, I do not see any forwards currently in the Flame’s organization who are anywhere near close to replacing them at their 2nd/3rd line shutdown roles.
Does anyone here see any candidates?
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I don’t know if he’ll reach Backlund’s prime level of shutdown centre but I think Frost has some great two-way ability that could grow into taking on that role along with some better offensive skills. He made an unreal pass to Sharangovich tonight that lead to the biggest save from the Montreal goaltender. He moves well, is usually on the right side of the puck and is sneaky at takeaways. I also find he makes a lot of smart decisions with the puck. Not many giveaways in the neutral zone or in his own zone that I notice.