Reports: Backlund to play for Kelowna after WJHC - Page 4 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Vulcan · 01-24-2009, 07:11 PM

From Textcritic's report it sounds like he's displaying great skill, just has a problem with his decision making which should improve as he gets use to the Canadian game.

MrMastodonFarm · 01-25-2009, 12:08 AM

Backlund with a goal and an assist tonight.

dercoch · 01-29-2009, 11:14 AM

Kelowna beat the Prince George Cougars last night 4-1 in a game that was never really in doubt. After absorbing back-to-back losses in P.G. earlier this month, the Rockets out-classed the Cougars all night, and were rewarded with a fairly easy win.

Despite a lack of points, Backlund was dangerous every time he was on the ice. The same things come to mind every time I watch this guy. He's got great hands, good vision and is a pretty shifty player. He makes little plays to get space and finds his teammates consistantly. His skating again stands out as a strong suit, and he is still using it to get back and help out the defence. I have started to notice that he has a habit of getting back strong into his own zone, but he will occasionally leave his player alone once he gets back into his end. It hasn't cost him yet, but if he continues to do that, I'm sure he will eventually get burned and have to face the wrath of the coaching staff.

He was originally credited with Kelowna's third goal on a tip in front, but it was later credited to Almond who was also in the area. By the way, that Almond kid is impressive. He's a pick of the Wild, and has been lights out in the last little while. Best player on the ice on most nights I have been at the arena. I'm sure we'll all get sick of playing against him if and when he makes it to the NHL.

Not much more to add. Backlund did deke a guy out pretty nicely to get a scoring chance in the third, but was denied. He does seem to be shooting more that he was during his first couple of games. Not to beat a dead horse, but his stickhandling is fun to watch. He creates space for himself quite often through his great puck control. On a slightly (very slightly) amusing note...he was selected as the third star of the game in the arena, and walked right past where we were standing and trying to get out of the place. He looked confused and didn't know quite what to do until he got onto the ice and saw someone standing there to give him a little gift bag. I'm pretty sure that he muttered something unpleasant when he was walking past us...probably to the effect of "what the hell am I supposed to do now?" Like I said...only slightly amusing.

http://www.kelownarockets.com/Story.aspx?ID=492

http://www.castanet.net/edition/news...1-7-.htm#44701

Romanrules · 01-29-2009, 11:30 AM

Good to hear that Backlund is having a seemingly effortless transition to the N.A. game so far.

dustygoon · 01-29-2009, 01:29 PM

While it sounds like he has his moments, Backlund doesn't seem to be playing as if he were living up to Sutter's expectation last year of him being able to lead the WHL in scoring. Obviously there is an adjustment period, but that comment from Sutter looks to be an overstatement thus far.

koop · 01-29-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustygoon

While it sounds like he has his moments, Backlund doesn't seem to be playing as if he were living up to Sutter's expectation last year of him being able to lead the WHL in scoring. Obviously there is an adjustment period, but that comment from Sutter looks to be an overstatement thus far.

Everyone has been saying this, but I thought it was Kelowna's GM who said he would be the leading scorer. Not that it really matters, but does anyone know for sure that it was Sutter who said this?

MonsieurFish · 01-29-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koop

Everyone has been saying this, but I thought it was Kelowna's GM who said he would be the leading scorer. Not that it really matters, but does anyone know for sure that it was Sutter who said this?

Im 99% sure it was Sutter who said it. I heard it in an interview with him earlier in the year.

flamesrule14 · 01-29-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dercoch

Kelowna beat the Prince George Cougars last night 4-1 in a game that was never really in doubt. After absorbing back-to-back losses in P.G. earlier this month, the Rockets out-classed the Cougars all night, and were rewarded with a fairly easy win.

Despite a lack of points, Backlund was dangerous every time he was on the ice. The same things come to mind every time I watch this guy. He's got great hands, good vision and is a pretty shifty player. He makes little plays to get space and finds his teammates consistantly. His skating again stands out as a strong suit, and he is still using it to get back and help out the defence. I have started to notice that he has a habit of getting back strong into his own zone, but he will occasionally leave his player alone once he gets back into his end. It hasn't cost him yet, but if he continues to do that, I'm sure he will eventually get burned and have to face the wrath of the coaching staff.

He was originally credited with Kelowna's third goal on a tip in front, but it was later credited to Almond who was also in the area. By the way, that Almond kid is impressive. He's a pick of the Wild, and has been lights out in the last little while. Best player on the ice on most nights I have been at the arena. I'm sure we'll all get sick of playing against him if and when he makes it to the NHL.

Not much more to add. Backlund did deke a guy out pretty nicely to get a scoring chance in the third, but was denied. He does seem to be shooting more that he was during his first couple of games. Not to beat a dead horse, but his stickhandling is fun to watch. He creates space for himself quite often through his great puck control. On a slightly (very slightly) amusing note...he was selected as the third star of the game in the arena, and walked right past where we were standing and trying to get out of the place. He looked confused and didn't know quite what to do until he got onto the ice and saw someone standing there to give him a little gift bag. I'm pretty sure that he muttered something unpleasant when he was walking past us...probably to the effect of "what the hell am I supposed to do now?" Like I said...only slightly amusing.

http://www.kelownarockets.com/Story.aspx?ID=492

http://www.castanet.net/edition/news...1-7-.htm#44701

Looks like it has been credited back to Backlund. So he had one goal last night and now has 7 points in 7 games.

Muta · 01-30-2009, 09:12 AM

On a side note, I wonder how Backlund likes Kelowna as a city? it's probably a completely different atmosphere than anything he's used to.

Just wondering, because interior BC is a beautiful place.

Matty81 · 01-30-2009, 10:15 AM

Chose the Flames over the Rockets on Wednesday but glad to hear that Backlund got a goal. Thanks for the update dercoch. Obviously biased but I am sure he will like Kelowna, I dunno how anyone couldn't. It is great out here now but most of the action is out at the ski hills until spring starts creeping in in the last couple weeks in February, I'm sure he will like it more and more as the weather gets better.

Five-hole · 01-30-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muta

On a side note, I wonder how Backlund likes Kelowna as a city? it's probably a completely different atmosphere than anything he's used to.

Just wondering, because interior BC is a beautiful place.

Not in the winter. It's dreary.

Matty81 · 01-30-2009, 04:34 PM

I guess its personal preference because I love winters here, they're like 3 months long if that and its nice and warm, find it real nice. It's overcast more than when I lived in AB but not like Van island or anything.

tvp2003 · 01-30-2009, 10:27 PM

Rockets game was on Shaw TV tonight... just caught the last few minutes. Backlund with 3 assists and Kelowna is winning in a 10-1 rout!

Torture · 01-31-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustygoon

While it sounds like he has his moments, Backlund doesn't seem to be playing as if he were living up to Sutter's expectation last year of him being able to lead the WHL in scoring. Obviously there is an adjustment period, but that comment from Sutter looks to be an overstatement thus far.

To be fair, he's only played 8 games and he's probably just getting into his grove now. And in those 8 games he's got 10 points....had he played 45 games at this pace he'd be top 20 in the league for scoring.

So yeah, maybe overstated a little...but he has been fairly dominant in the WHL.

And yes, it was Sutter I remember the interview clearly.

dercoch · 02-04-2009, 10:59 AM

Some updates on what Backlund and the Rockets have been up to. It looks like Grantham has recovered from his hand injury and is playing again.

"Mikael Backlund with his fourth and Cody Almond with his 26th also scored for the Rockets.

Backlund also picked up an assist, giving him 12 points in 10 games since joining the Rockets three weeks ago. "

http://www.castanet.net/edition/news...6-7-.htm#44826

http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/st....php?id=162505

Lil Pedro · 02-04-2009, 02:26 PM

12 points in 10 games is pretty good IMO, hope he keeps it up!

wpgflamesfan · 02-07-2009, 10:07 AM

13 potins in 11 games now. Got the game winner last night

PIMking · 02-07-2009, 03:14 PM

Looks like its helping him playing with kids his age instead of seasoned pro's.

I asked baby sutter a couple of weeks ago (during the wjc) about Backlund and he said that he thought it would be best for him to go juniors. Glad to see things are panning out for him.

Sune76 · 02-07-2009, 04:51 PM

it kinda shows though that it is easier to get points in junior hockey then senior hockey. at hfboard some canadians said junior hockey were better then SEL, lol...

HPLovecraft · 02-07-2009, 08:51 PM

So are people feeling good or bad about Backlund being a PPG in Juniors? I haven't followed it that closely, but judging from everyone's expectations, including Darryl Sutter's it seems, a mere PPG must be a bit disappointing, is it not?

I am sure a lot of people were hoping he'd blow the league up... Clearly that hasn't happened (yet, anyways), so is a PPG good for him at this stage, especially considering the league he played in previously? I am sure the transition to the N.A. breed of game hurts a bit, but if he were really head and shoulders above these players I can't imagine it would be THAT much of a difference that pure talent couldn't overcome. It's still only been a handful of games, though, and I am sure there must be things outside of the game that are on his mind considering the big move away from family and everything.

So, are people disappointed? Happy? Merely satisfied? Has anyone just lowered their expectations and so is happy with his progress with lower expectations? Is this about what anyone expected?

Let us know!