[News] Backlund has a concussion

[GirlySports]

cleaner or dirtier than Hossa's hit on Marchand last night?

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Seems to me that none of the circumstances in that NHL video apply. It wasn't a full-body check, as the head was the principal point of impact, with incidental contact to the chest afterwards. Backlund didn't make any sudden moves before the hit. And as Itse points out, Lepistö did not make any effort to hit Backlund in a legal way. He simply led with his shoulder, which was at exactly the height of Backlund's face, and he had enough time to see that this was the case.

Either Lepistö was targeting the head, or he had no idea how to target a hit at all. A player good enough to make the Finnish national team should be expected to know that. I find the argument that there wasn't intent a very weak one.

Well, I disagree that there was "incidental contact to the chest afterwards", I thought it was full upper body on upper body.

Fortunately, we don't have to waste a lot of time arguing about it - this is an NHL/NHLPA event, subject to their authority, so if this was an illegal hit to the head causing a concussion, I expect there will be some supplementary discipline before Finland's next game.

[pepper24]

I don't get Flames fans that are glad most of the Flames players are now eliminated from the tourney, hoping that Gaudreau doesn't advance and thankful that Gio/Brodie/Hamilton didn't make their teams.

It sucks about Backlund but that can happen in preseason or regular season with Flames as well. Hopefully it's short term and he's back soon.

I want as many Flames as possible at these tournaments. Play with the best players and learn how to win like with best players.

Bring that swagger and learning experience back to the Flames. Winning teams like LA and Chicago are always stacked at Olympics and now World Cup. Flames to become a legit contender need the same.

[MissTeeks]

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

At full speed, that hit happens instantaneously.

Backlund was skating in a straight line from his own blue line out, and it appeared to me that Lepistö could see him all the way. Lepistö had time to set up whatever kind of hit he wanted. If he had thrown a hip check instead, it would have been perfectly legal and just as effective at separating Backlund from the puck.

Originally Posted by Mike F

Well, I disagree that there was "incidental contact to the chest afterwards", I thought it was full upper body on upper body.

Looking at it in slo-mo, it's clear that contact was made with the head first, and Lepistö's arm hit Backlund's chest in the course of the follow-through.

Originally Posted by pepper24

Winning teams like LA and Chicago are always stacked at Olympics and now World Cup. Flames to become a legit contender need the same.

Cart before the horse. The Blackhawks were heavily represented at major tournaments after they became winners. They didn't become winners because they were heavily represented beforehand.

140 NHL players went to the 2010 Olympics – about 4.7 per team. Chicago had 6 of them, L.A. 5. At that point, Chicago had not won the Stanley Cup since 1961; L.A. never.

In 2014, 151 NHLers went to the Olympics – just over 5 per team. Chicago had 10, L.A. 6.

In 2016, 175 NHLers went to the WCH – 5.8 per team. Chicago had 10, L.A. 5.

Chicago did not send large numbers of players to these major tournaments until they had already won a couple of Stanley Cups. L.A. still hasn't sent more than 6 to any one tournament – only slightly above average.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by pepper24

I don't get Flames fans that are glad most of the Flames players are now eliminated from the tourney, hoping that Gaudreau doesn't advance and thankful that Gio/Brodie/Hamilton didn't make their teams.

It sucks about Backlund but that can happen in preseason or regular season with Flames as well. Hopefully it's short term and he's back soon.

I want as many Flames as possible at these tournaments. Play with the best players and learn how to win like with best players.

Bring that swagger and learning experience back to the Flames. Winning teams like LA and Chicago are always stacked at Olympics and now World Cup. Flames to become a legit contender need the same.

Except this was a joke of a tournament. From the concept, to the original roster selections, to the management and coaching staffs involved, this has been a second rate event that never generated a level of enthusiasm you expect for a show case of the "best talent the game has to offer." As much as I enjoyed watching Johnny Hockey play I found myself more turned off by the Oiler stink surrounding the team and the cult of McJesus rubbed in my face by the broadcast teams. The rest of the team's just never generated any excitement. They were all a bunch of faceless robots playing the hockey you expect from the country in question. The one team I hoped would add some flavor to the tournament (Finland) was a massive flop. Really, this wasn't the "world" cup of hockey, this was a NHL tournament to showcase their players. I thought it was lame when they announced the concept and the results so far have supported that initial impression. Frankly I'm happy the Flames players are at home prepping for the season. We need a good start and having everyone playing together might give the team an advantage out of the gate.

[blender]

Originally Posted by New Era

Except this was a joke of a tournament. From the concept, to the original roster selections, to the management and coaching staffs involved, this has been a second rate event that never generated a level of enthusiasm you expect for a show case of the "best talent the game has to offer." As much as I enjoyed watching Johnny Hockey play I found myself more turned off by the Oiler stink surrounding the team and the cult of McJesus rubbed in my face by the broadcast teams. The rest of the team's just never generated any excitement. They were all a bunch of faceless robots playing the hockey you expect from the country in question. The one team I hoped would add some flavor to the tournament (Finland) was a massive flop. Really, this wasn't the "world" cup of hockey, this was a NHL tournament to showcase their players. I thought it was lame when they announced the concept and the results so far have supported that initial impression. Frankly I'm happy the Flames players are at home prepping for the season. We need a good start and having everyone playing together might give the team an advantage out of the gate.

Not sure if you are aware, but it is still going on with quite a bit of potentially good hockey to come.
You are obviously entitled to an opinion, but man, suck it up. Either way it's just a hockey tournament.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by blender

Not sure if you are aware, but it is still going on with quite a bit of potentially good hockey to come.
You are obviously entitled to an opinion, but man, suck it up. Either way it's just a hockey tournament.

You're right, it is just a hockey tournament... cutting into the season of the only hockey that matters. You know its a bull#### tournament when Calgarians are cheering primarily for a team other than Team Canada. I don't care what the level of hockey is being played. All I care about is the Calgary Flames and their chances in the upcoming NHL season. If this gong show event costs the Flames in any way, like Gaudreau missing some games as a result of negotiations being held up, or Backlund getting off to a slow start because of a concussion, then it hurt this team more than it helped. I give major props to Sean Monahan for having his head screwed on straight, keeping his eye on the prize, and recognizing the Calgary Flames and the NHL season come first.

[blender]

Originally Posted by New Era

You're right, it is just a hockey tournament... cutting into the season of the only hockey that matters. You know its a bull#### tournament when Calgarians are cheering primarily for a team other than Team Canada. I don't care what the level of hockey is being played. All I care about is the Calgary Flames and their chances in the upcoming NHL season. If this gong show event costs the Flames in any way, like Gaudreau missing some games as a result of negotiations being held up, or Backlund getting off to a slow start because of a concussion, then it hurt this team more than it helped. I give major props to Sean Monahan for having his head screwed on straight, keeping his eye on the prize, and recognizing the Calgary Flames and the NHL season come first.

Why you heff be so mad?

[Sune76]

Read in newspaper that sweden might play Backlund sunday despite not clearing concussion test. Wtf? They say it is because nhl rules or something. Madness
http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportblade...cle23583592.ab

[calgaryblood]

That better not be true.

[Toonage]

Can't see the Flames allowing that unless they too are comfortable with his progress and has been cleared, etc

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

That better not be true.

I'm guessing the Flames' medical staff would put him on a plane home first.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Interesting article, it actually provides details of the SCAT3 concussion test that they do on players. Apparently Backlund's results are currently high enough that he can't skate, but it's not serious. The test can be performed again tomorrow and if he's under the threshold than he's allowed to play Sunday.

But really this article was only written as it's a possibility whereas in Sweden it wouldn't be an option because their policy involves a minimum 7 days off. There's no chance Sweden will consider using Backlund unless they have more injury troubles.

[Sune76]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

Interesting article, it actually provides details of the SCAT3 concussion test that they do on players. Apparently Backlund's results are currently high enough that he can't skate, but it's not serious. The test can be performed again tomorrow and if he's under the threshold than he's allowed to play Sunday.

But really this article was only written as it's a possibility whereas in Sweden it wouldn't be an option because their policy involves a minimum 7 days off. There's no chance Sweden will consider using Backlund unless they have more injury troubles.

silfverberg is now also injured

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Sune76

silfverberg is now also injured

Which explains why they are now speculating on going down this path...

Please six pound eight ounce baby Jesus no.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Backlund was skating in a straight line from his own blue line out, and it appeared to me that Lepistö could see him all the way. Lepistö had time to set up whatever kind of hit he wanted. If he had thrown a hip check instead, it would have been perfectly legal and just as effective at separating Backlund from the puck.

The next hip check thrown by a defenseman at the opposing blue line will be the first. If anything, I give Lepisto a bit of credit because in slow motion it almost looks like he tries to alter the hit's point of impact because Backlund puts himself in a bad spot. And in the process of that, he makes a situation worse.

Regardless, he went to step up on a player. He kept his elbow in. It's a tough play in a violent game, and Backlund knows the risks. I have a problem with guys going out of their way to hurt people, sticking out limbs, and potentially risking guys careers or quality of life later on.

But this? Child please. Go play field hockey.

[CroFlames]

Which Doctor makes the final call? Flames staff? Sweden staff?? Independent?

[TheScorpion]

This is crazy. He's concussed, well, he shouldn't be playing in the frigging World Cup of Hockey.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Which Doctor makes the final call? Flames staff? Sweden staff?? Independent?

Flames doctors aren't in Toronto are they? Not sure how it would be their call if they can't even look at Backlund.