Backlund - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Coach · 10-22-2013, 04:54 PM

Backlund is right on his projected development curve. Defensive centers with offensive punch tend to not come into their prime until their mid-twenties generally (I'm thinking Sharp, Kesler, Langkow, guys like that). He is much stronger now and has a hell of a shot. I see him making a lot of power moves to the net with confidence. The points will come I think. I like the way he's turning out.

HighLifeMan · 10-22-2013, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

That's truly ridiculous. I counted 3 on one shift alone last night (2nd period I believe). I have no idea what the criteria is for a takeaway anymore.

Likewise.
Backlund was credited with zero takeaways in last nights game.

Calgary4LIfe · 10-22-2013, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyC

Backlund is right on his projected development curve. Defensive centers with offensive punch tend to not come into their prime until their mid-twenties generally (I'm thinking Sharp, Kesler, Langkow, guys like that). He is much stronger now and has a hell of a shot. I see him making a lot of power moves to the net with confidence. The points will come I think. I like the way he's turning out.

Excellent point! He is still developing. We haven't seen the finished Backlund yet, and there are lots of cases where players take a bit longer to develop offensively - including Swedes. Who would have thought the Sedins would have led the NHL in points for a time after their first few seasons? Not saying he will get that far, but he is still developing and you can see it in his game.

And his shot - was it 3 years ago that he got the team's 3rd hardest shot, after Kotalik and Babchuk?

Roof-Daddy · 10-22-2013, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighLifeMan

Likewise.
Backlund was credited with zero takeaways in last nights game.

Every time Backlund had a take away, I think they probably credited Dustin Brown with a hit.

Soliak · 10-22-2013, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

That's truly ridiculous. I counted 3 on one shift alone last night (2nd period I believe). I have no idea what the criteria is for a takeaway anymore.

Ya me too, but I counted 4 on that shift!

Cali Panthers Fan · 10-22-2013, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soliak

Ya me too, but I counted 4 on that shift!

See...no consistency between statisticians.

We need some guidelines on what the criteria is for a takeaway.

IamNotKenKing · 10-22-2013, 05:05 PM

To paraphrase zefrank:
"Your eyes are stoooopid."

Loyal and True · 10-22-2013, 05:06 PM

He's good.

blankall · 10-22-2013, 05:08 PM

Pretty happy with him. I think the issue is that since he's European everyone expects him to be an ultra high skill forward. However, he's a solid depth and two-way forward instead.

I think he develops into a solid 50-65 point centre with great 2 way game. The problem is everyone is holding him up to his expectation of 60+ point European dangler. He was also selected with a 24th overall pick, not a top 10. He's been very good value for his draft position so far.

Soliak · 10-22-2013, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

See...no consistency between statisticians.

We need some guidelines on what the criteria is for a takeaway.

I think it's pretty simple really. Takeaway = taking the puck from the opposition, rather than acquiring it as a result of opponent error.

I am baffled by the fact he didn't get credited with takeaways last night. What a joke, it was as clear as they come.

Joker · 10-22-2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blankall

Pretty happy with him. I think the issue is that since he's European everyone expects him to be an ultra high skill forward. However, he's a solid depth and two-way forward instead.

I think he develops into a solid 50-65 point centre with great 2 way game. The problem is everyone is holding him up to his expectation of 60+ point European dangler. He was also selected with a 24th overall pick, not a top 10. He's been very good value for his draft position so far.

Im probably falling victim to this. Guess i need to evaluate him more as a 2 way guy, as opposed to dynamic offensive player. If he does hit the 50-65 point range, coupled with good FO % and + - then all is well.

kirant · 10-22-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

I can feel the footsteps of Where R U Chris O'Sullivan? thundering toward this thread. Be prepared for the trolling of a lifetime everyone!!!

What do you mean? Apparently, the rest of us are just a bunch of apologists.

On a serious note: I'm happy with the projection of Backlund. He's been solid so far. At the late 1st area, you aren't expecting home runs without massive risk. Backlund wasn't extremely risky, so the ceiling shouldn't be too high. If it is, we have a steal on our hands.

Crumpy-Gunt · 10-22-2013, 05:33 PM

I think Backlund has a high ceiling as a 2 way C. He came into camp super-fit this year and it is showing. He works as hard as anyone out there and I have gone from a backlund hater, to someone who I wouldnt mind seeing him with an A on his jersey in the near future.

Francis's Hairpiece · 10-22-2013, 05:42 PM

I like the edge he's developed this year. His effort is great all game, and he has some offensive flair. If it turns out he is a career 3rd line center, who can kill penalties and chip in with 40 points a season I am strangely comfortable with that.

Codes · 10-22-2013, 06:01 PM

He's been my favorite forward this year. Seems like every shift he's on the ice he does something that impresses me. I think Backlund has become a very tenacious, very clever player.

Huntingwhale · 10-22-2013, 07:07 PM

He's turning into a feisty little turd out there. I love how he's mixing it up in scrums now and getting in other players faces. The whole team is, but Backlund's got a different attitude this season. I hope he can stay healthy all season.

albertGQ · 10-22-2013, 07:11 PM

I like Mikael Baklund.

MrMastodonFarm · 10-22-2013, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joker

Alright. I am just curious where everybody is on this guy. I feel like I'm constantly 'squinting' to see the good in him, but am constantly frustrated while watching him play. Against the Kings last night he was actually thrown off of the puck, by MATT FRATTIN! This lead to a good scoring chance against. That is just the latest example that sticks out in my mind. There are many moments in many games where I am really displeased by his play. Im not looking to shovel Sh*t on the guy, but I am curious if I am out to lunch or just not getting it when it comes to Backlund. I dont know why, but I always end up with the mind-set of "give him some more time". Is this because he was a first round pick?

Thoughts?

This is a great post from 2011.