Thursday, January 8, 2009

Backlund could play in Calgary tonight

The Calgary Flames have recalled Mikael Backlund today.

Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the recall of forward Mikael Backlund.

Backlund is coming off a silver medal at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships as a member of team Sweden, and was named as one of Sweden’s Top Three players in the Tournament.

Backlund finished tied for 2nd on the team with seven points (5+2), and tied for 7th overall in tournament scoring with five goals in six games.

This is Backlund’s second straight silver medal after finishing second at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.

Appartenly Todd Bertuzzi has suffered a back injury.

The Flames held an optional skate this morning. F Todd Bertuzzi was not on the ice and there was some speculation that his back is bothering him. There was no official word from the team but Bertuzzi could be a gametime decision against his former team

Regan Bartel the radio play by play man for the Kelown Rockets said Vasteras hasn't released him yet.

Mikael Backlund skated in Calgary this morning, yet didn't skate with the Flames.
He apparently skated wearing a Western Hockey League practice jersey.
The Flames do confirm that Backlund has been recalled by the NHL team, and is shown on the Flames roster on the teams website.
It isn't known if he will play for the Flames tonight against the Islanders. He must be released by his Swedish team before he can potentially play for the Rockets.

I laughed a bit when I saw the comment. Why not? It's against the Islanders. If the Tavares-Hedman lottery was held today, they would have the best chance to grab the number one pick. I don't think he would be a liability out there. At the most I could see him get five to seven minutes if he does play.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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