QOTD: Where does Backlund line up in the Flames roster?

[btimbit]

To start, 3rd line, Granlund to Addy. He'll be back

After a few games he'll move back to 1C, Monahan moves down

[Split98]

I could see him playing rover for the first week. There are so many lines in flux right now it's tough to say who's 'spot' is taken.

For the time being, I see Granlund's role being sacrificed. He's had a couple rough patches, and might benefit from a bit of a tension break. But Backlund is going to need some time to get back into game shape. A lot of his game relies heavily on being a big body with a smart mind and both are heavily compromised at the moment.

Success will have to dictate where he ends up, but once Backs is back (you love it):

Gaudreau - Backlund - Hudler > sounds incredible
Glencross - Monahan - Colborne > Always loved the Monahan-Colborne magic when it sparks

Let's hope this is the end of seeing Backlund out. Easily one of my favourite players to watch, and an integral part of this roster. Monahan did a fantastic job in his leave, but it's time to get him back to the offensive role we want him in. You can use a chisel as a screwdriver, but you're pretty happy when you find that damn screwdriver again.

[Stay Golden]

I would like to see Backlund brought into the 3rd line and let him work his timing, and pace back up to the 2nd line.
JMO he is not a 1st line NHL center.
Monahan has shown much more to the Flames to be the first line Center.
Based on what we all saw when Stajan, Raymond and Colborne came back. What i expect the Flames to do is put Backlund on the first line. Move all the centers around tinker with the lines and chemistry will be out of wack once again.
It would be great if Stajan could be traded for a pick.
Monahan 1st.
Jooris
Backlund starting as 3rd moving to 2nd once he is fully at game speed and no sooner.
Granlund 4th.

[Tron_fdc]

Granlund goes down, he slots in on the third line. Hartley plays musical centers as he gets back into game shape.

It's pretty awesome having an embarassment of riches right now at center. Next year is going to be fun to watch when Bennett is in the mix. Bennett/Monahan/Jooris/Granlund/Backlund/Stajan....something's gotta give.

[Split98]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

I would like to see Backlund brought into the 3rd line and let him work his timing, and pace back up to the 2nd line.
JMO he is not a 1st line NHL center.
Monahan has shown much more to the Flames to be the first line Center.
Based on what we all saw when Stajan, Raymond and Colborne came back. What i expect the Flames to do is put Backlund on the first line. Move all the centers around tinker with the lines and chemistry will be out of wack once again.
It would be great if Stajan could be traded for a pick.
Monahan 1st.
Jooris
Backlund starting as 3rd moving to 2nd once he is fully at game speed and no sooner.
Granlund 4th.

While I agree, I'm not so sure what our real first line is.

If we were to go with:
Glencross - Monahan - Colborne
Gaudreau - Backlund - Hudler

...who's the first line? I think you throw caring about it out the window, and just play with the chemistry.

Having Monahan and Backlund down the middle basically covers all bases in opposition they could face. I think the team we're playing against determines who the 1st or 2nd line center is for that game. Playing against Toews? Backlund is priority. Oilers? Monahan is #1.

[Stay Golden]

The real question that Hartley should ask himself is not with not whether Monahan or Backlund should center the first line.
It should be why the hell does he have Glencross still on the first line.

[Poe969]

IMO Backlund is a third line guy who can occasionally move up but his offensive game isn't top 6 material. If he's ever traded, he'd be a good third line guy on a strong team.

[dammage79]

Voted second line. Of all the players on the team I think Backlund is the only one I feel truly comfortable throwing right into the fire and deal with it positively. He'll have some rust certainly but he won't come back like Raymond did.

[Split98]

Originally Posted by Poe969

IMO Backlund is a third line guy who can occasionally move up but his offensive game isn't top 6 material. If he's ever traded, he'd be a good third line guy on a strong team.

OR, our team when Bennett and Monahan start battling for 1st line duties. Backlund is a pretty damn hard center to replace, IMO.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Poe969

IMO Backlund is a third line guy who can occasionally move up but his offensive game isn't top 6 material. If he's ever traded, he'd be a good third line guy on a strong team.

Wrong reply.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

The real question that Hartley should ask himself is not with not whether Monahan or Backlund should center the first line.

It should be why the hell does he have Glencross still on the first line.

This again? After one subpar game where pretty much the whole team played poorly. On pace for a career best season, but yeah, he sucks. Can we keep the Glencross bashing out of at least one #%*+ing thread?

[Stay Golden]

Monahan will consistently prove to put up more points in a season than Backlund.
In fact the stats over the next coming years won't even be close.
I will be surprised if Backlund ever puts up 50 pts.
Where as Monahan will likely be a 70 pt guy.

[herashak]

Takes over jooris' spot and gives Gaudreau and hudler a better player to hopefully finish off more of those chances those 2 wingers will give you.

[FFR]

I voted third line - because I think he'll start there and then move up. I think adding Backlund to the third line kind of creates a 2a/2b scenario anyway.

In any case, I'm sure it's been said (I haven't read the whole thread yet), but I think having Backlund back will take some of the defensive/shut down responsibility off of Monahan and allow him to play a more offensive game again. Monahan has done great in the defensive role, but it would be great to see him get rolling offensively again.

[BlueCharlton]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

This again? After one subpar game where pretty much the whole team played poorly. On pace for a career best season, but yeah, he sucks. Can we keep the Glencross bashing out of at least one #%*+ing thread?

I think it is fair to say that Glencross is not a first line player in this league. He puts up some points, but he doesn't bring the talent that you expect from a first line player. The most points he has put up in a single year was 48, and its not like he has become a drastically different player (On pace for 53-54 points, if he stays healthy). We know what to expect from Glencross. He is a guy who traditionally has some speed, grit, and can shoot the puck fairly well. He has his issues, as does everyone, but imo he is not be a first line guy on a true contending team, unless your center is someone like Crosby.

To agree with your point, right now we do not have anyone with the experience to play those first line minutes. We COULD put Johnny there, but the way things are right now we probably don't want to change anything. Glencross in the that first line spot is the best thing we can do right now. I think we have to just accept whatever he brings.

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

The real question that Hartley should ask himself is not with not whether Monahan or Backlund should center the first line.
It should be why the hell does he have Glencross still on the first line.

To paraphrase Sutter, "First line? Which one was that?"

Based to NHL.com's TOI Report:

Glencross got 20:02 of ice time last game (26 shifts of 46s avg.).
Gaudreau got 17:37 of ice time last game (25 shifts of 42s avg.).

Monahan got 19:58 of ice time last game (28 shifts of 42s avg.).
Jooris got 16:52 of ice time last game (27 shifts of 37s avg.).

Colbourne got 21:42 of ice time last game (27 shifts of 48s avg.).
Hudler got 16:53 of ice time last game (23 shifts of 44s avg.).

So, for all practical purposes, the two top lines got the same usage. Therefore, you can't really say Glencross is the "first line winger". Similarly, if you move Backlund to the Glencross Colbourne line and shift Monahan, it's inaccurate to characterize it as moving Monahan off the #1 line.

[ForeverFlameFan]

He will be the third line center until ready to be back in the top 6 (probably after a few games).

Imo, why don't we roll out two 2nd lines, and 2 third lines?

Gaudreau - Backlund - Hudler
Glencross - Monahan - Colborne
Raymond - Jooris - Jones
Bouma - Stajan - Byron
Bollig, Ern

[Vinny01]

I think he will eventually take over the shutdown duties with Glencross and either Colborne or Jones.

I think Hartley will eventually put Monahan and Gaudreau together with Hudler for an extended look. Monahan can be the finisher on that line.

[hixxes]

I think he'll start on the third line but it will be Byron waived to be sent down. I like Byron's effort and speed (when he uses it effectively) but Granlund brings more overall.

[GreenLantern]

I think his first shift is on the fourth line, but by the end of the game he will be playing in all situations again. Not really 'slowly' but that was the best fit.

I don't think Granlund OR Jooris are sent down, I think we see Byron as the casualty.