Backlund leads Rockets into next round

[theJuice]

Thanks, gonna love watching the kid in a big game atmosphere, everytime I see some WHL action on channel 10 or whatever, I always hope its the Rockets, though it never is.

[mykalberta]

I will record it and watch the Flames.

But thanks.

[604flames]

Like I said in the WHL thread, if the games in Kelowna weren't in the middle of the week I'd consider heading up. Very excited/nervous (as a Giants fan) about his series. Last time Backlund was here, he was invisible aside from a ten-second span in which he scored the eventual game-winner.

[moon]

What is Castanet exactly?

That article seems to be written by a fan much more than someone watching the games with a critical or unbiased view.

I am excited that Backlund is playing well, but that article is way over the top in the praise for Backlund.

[Biff]

A castanet is a spoonlike percussion instrument that makes a clacking sound when "rattled".

The idea of a web presence built around this concept is a bit of a mystery, though.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by moon

What is Castanet exactly?

That article seems to be written by a fan much more than someone watching the games with a critical or unbiased view.

I am excited that Backlund is playing well, but that article is way over the top in the praise for Backlund.

It is an internet portal that covers the Okanagan. Wayne Moore has probably covered more and better junior players than have ever been in the Flames rookie camp. On this year's team there is Myers and Benn who are likely playing in the NHL next year. Last year he got to watch Luke Schenn for a full year.

So even if he is a fan boy (not saying he is) raving about Backlund over Benn and Myers is significant.

[Canada 02]

the second goal is pretty to watch; so explosive!

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

the second goal is pretty to watch; so explosive!

He had an even nicer goal against Vancouver last night.. I saw it in the second period highlight package on Shaw right after the Flames game

[Coach]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

He had an even nicer goal against Vancouver last night.. I saw it in the second period highlight package on Shaw right after the Flames game

is there anywhere i can find thse highlights online?

[Canada 02]

Thoughts from a Rockets coach
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_.../43393622.html

The Calgary Flames are once again seeing the full potential that convinced them to take Backlund 24th overall in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

“It’s been a learning process for Mikael, he’s had to adjust to a new place and a heavier schedule, but now that he’s comfortable and settled in, we’re seeing the kind of player he can be,” said Finley.

“He skates well, he has a tremendous shot, and he’s as strong in the lower body as most NHLers are already. Those things will all serve him well as he makes the next step.”

[moon]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

It is an internet portal that covers the Okanagan. Wayne Moore has probably covered more and better junior players than have ever been in the Flames rookie camp. On this year's team there is Myers and Benn who are likely playing in the NHL next year. Last year he got to watch Luke Schenn for a full year.

So even if he is a fan boy (not saying he is) raving about Backlund over Benn and Myers is significant.

He has covered better players than guys like Fleury, Iginla, Phaneuf etc. Those are just some of the more recent players that would have gone to the Flames prospect camp.

Its great that he watched Luke Schenn for a full year, not sure how that makes him qualified or unbiased.

At the time the article was written Backlund had just over a PPG. He wasn't the most dominant player in the WHL at the time, he wasn't the most dynamic or the most electrifying. Backlund is having a great play-offs but the article was over the top and sounds exactly like it was written by a fanboy.