Rightly so, the Flames already have plenty of 'support' pieces.
Plenty of middle-6 guys on the team already, even at centre (ie Backlund, Cervenka, Stajan).
Another #2 or #3 pivot is not going to help much going forward. A big fish is what's needed.
Hockey teams aren't constructed like that. Forwards are not just interchangeable based on ability; the center position is very different than winger. Sure, adding a high end player will help, but this teams struggles are tied to their poor defensive play and overall softness. There are plenty of "middling" players who help in those areas that can be had for cheap. You can't just keep playing guys out of position and expect to have success. The narrow focus on just acquiring top talent discounts the different elements needed to be a successful team.
__________________ CORNELL
National Champions: 1967, 1970
This bites. This is the first year that Backlund has been a positive difference make for us. He got the 2nd assist on Comeau's goal last night, but it was the biggest part of the play that led to the goal.
I just hope it's not the same tendon again. If so, I think the writing is on the wall.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
I would hold out on freaking out until we know for sure how bad it is. He took that slap shot off the inside of his ankle, and I know that when I played, I wouldn't have minded a walking boot after one of those despite no serious injury.
Fingers crossed its precautionary, Backs was looking like he was getting close to that "next level" that we need him to be at.
It really sucks hes injured again. But this is one of those I won't ever call a player out on as being "made of glass". The guy blocked a shot with no hesitation that could very well have ended up in the net. I wish more players on this team had as much heart.
"Made of glass"... you try blocking an NHL quality shot with the side of your skate and just shrug it off. If it breaks a bone (did it?) it breaks a bone, can't really help that by "being tough".
I completely agree with the point you are making.
However, the fact of the matter in this case is that he blocked a shot with his skate turned sideways - if you regularly block shots while not remaining square, you are going to get hurt on a regular basis. He has to learn that he can't do that (as much as I love guys who are willing to do whatever it takes).
Herald story about Backs being seen with the crutches and the boot, no official word yet though.
"Perhaps whatever-it-is will settle down and Backlund can travel Sunday with the team to Dallas. (Curtis Glencross, a few years back, was wearing a walking cast every day, but still playing games.)
However, if Backlund is sidelined, it marks the continuation of an unbelievable stretch of bad fortune."
He blocked a shot with his foot. Unless he broke something (which is entirely possible) its probably such a short term/cautious thing. And I suspect if he broke his foot, we'd know already (unless they need to wait for swelling to go down for an x-ray or something).
