Backlund Guarantees win in Game 6. Like it or no?

[Yamer]

If his frustration about the loss last night and his determination about not repeating the same mistakes is indicative of the rest of the roster this is beautiful.

I don't think Backlund is the kind of guy to speak so bluntly on these matters, and if that attitude is permeating so strongly throughout the room that Backlund couldn't help but let it bubble to the surface I think it is a positive.

As for bulletin-board material, I agree this is a non-story in that respect. To Flames fans, however, the fact he came out with this should be very encouraging.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheCube

I think the playoffs against any other team would just be gravy.

But they have to beat Vancouver.

I was referring to his:

Well then we're ####ed cause if we win, we play Anaheim next

I agree with your vancouver comment.

[cannon7]

Backlund needs to put his play where his bloody mouth is...no more excuses when you're playing with Bennett.

[Texas Blueliner]

I like it. I want every player on the team saying the same thing after last night's effort.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by cannon7

Backlund needs to put his play where his bloody mouth is...no more excuses when you're playing with Bennett.

I think Backlund has played well this series. He has done a lot of things well. I don't believe he will ever be a "flashy" player. I don't think it is fair to say he hasn't played well this series. I think we are finally seeing the type of player backlund is, a 2nd line two way player with some offensive up side.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by cannon7

Backlund needs to put his play where his bloody mouth is...no more excuses when you're playing with Bennett.

Only someone looking solely at the stat sheet would say something like this.

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

I like it. But I am still concerned how the Flames play looks completely different in the dome vs Vancouver. I think it bodes well if we have home ice, but I am unhappy we aren't playing our best when away.

Both teams played differently, the flames effort left you wanting. but gotta give them credit vancouver picked up their play dramatically at home.

Trouble for them is tomorrow they're not at home, and the dome has been a house of horrors for them this series. I fully expect to see my first handshake line at the dome.

[dino7c]

Jonny guaranteed playoffs when it was a long way out

[dino7c]

#11 was the Flames 2nd best player last night

[NiklasSundblad]

If Backlund was doing his best Messier impression he would have said "I'm going to ruin the Canucks for years."

[edn88]

I'd rather him say they will win tomorrow night, than not. Whether they win or not, better to go into the game with a positive mindset. If they lose, no one will remember in 5 years time. And if they win, he is not Messier enough for it to be a big deal.

And as for giving the Canucks fuel to do better - no chance - I am sure that both sides believe they are going to win the next game.

But as to the question, do I like it - yes.

[cannon7]

I've often compared Backlund to a Lehtinen type player, so I'm not expecting tons of offense from him, but that doesn't change the fact that we need more offense from the second line when the first line is struggling like it was last night. Hartley seems to think Backlund and Colborne are the best options there, can't say I disagree given what we have upfront -- just want to see more.

[cDnStealth]

Backlund was the best forward on the ice last night for both teams. He was the one driving the play, forcing turnovers, winning faceoffs and getting the puck to the net. Bennett may have been on his line but you can see his inexperience as he's often just throwing the puck into the slot where no Flames are.

[cDnStealth]

Originally Posted by cannon7

I've often compared Backlund to a Lehtinen type player, so I'm not expecting tons of offense from him, but that doesn't change the fact that we need more offense from the second line when the first line is struggling like it was last night. Hartley seems to think Backlund and Colborne are the best options there, can't say I disagree given what we have upfront -- just want to see more.

Considering how that line was playing last night they should have been used as the number one PP unit. The top line would go out there and kill 120 seconds off our PP.

[polak]

lol Backlund played head and shoulders above Bennett yesterday. Bennett (and most of the team) was invisible after the 1st period.

Although he is only in his 5th NHL game so no big deal.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by polak

lol Backlund played head and shoulders above Bennett yesterday. Bennett (and most of the team) was invisible after the 1st period.

Although he is only in his 5th NHL game so no big deal.

Yeah, Bennett will be a real good player and shows a ton of skill and drive - and in a very near future, will be better than Backlund.

But last night? Today? Backlund is a far better player.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Agreed I think Backlund was the best forward in all 3 zones last night. Colborne seemed to battle the puck but may of been due to the crap ice. I'd like to see Jones get some time on the 2nd line. He's been money so far

[heep223]

Mad Bones Jones has been consistently one of our best players down the stretch and in this series.

[Vinny01]

Just dropped $500 in a ticket for tomorrow so Backlund's guarantee better happen!

[AC]

Originally Posted by nik-

Only someone looking solely at the stat sheet would say something like this.

Yup. It's funny how Backlund seems to be the one player that can be called both the best player for the Flames in the past 3 games, while others can look at his stats and call him the worst.