Flames: No Replace On Captain’s Harm

Credit score: James Guillory-Imagn ImagesNot handiest did the Calgary Flames lose to the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in a shootout, however they misplaced their captain Mikael Backlund to an higher frame damage within the first length.After pursuing a success within the nook, Backlund appeared in ache and skated only one shift ahead of departing the sport. His ultimate stat line for the evening learn two pictures and one hit in 5 shifts, totaling 2:58.Head trainer Ryan Huska didn’t supply an replace on Backlund in his post-game scrum, merely announcing, “No replace. All I do know is it’s an higher frame factor.”Backlund has no longer overlooked a sport this season and has been within the Flames lineup for each sport for the reason that 2020-21 season, when he overlooked two contests.He is scored 11 targets and 24 issues this 12 months, his lowest overall for the reason that 2014-15 season.Hockey insiders have defended the captain, because the fan base has been vital of his efficiency. They state that he is been struggling with quite a lot of accidents all 12 months and that Wednesday was once the primary time he had got rid of himself from a sport.No replace from Ryan Huska on Mikael Backlund’s damage standing. He left after enjoying 4 mins within the first length because of an higher frame damage. He is been hampered by way of damage all season lengthy, however this was once the primary time he got rid of himself from a sport.— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) March 13, 2025Meanwhile, if Backlund is out for any period of time, the Flames can be with out the NHL’s 7th main face-off taker, because the captain has taken 1,236 attracts.In the end, his absence approach somebody must step up on this division, like Nazem Kadri, who has taken the tenth maximum face-offs at 1,146.Apparently, 22 avid gamers have taken a face-off for the Flames this season, with Backlund and Kadri the one two to surpass 324, the full of Kevin Rooney, the 3rd very best face-off taker at the workforce.