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Calgary Flames players react to Backlund's injury and here's what Huska said

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Mar 13 2025, 12:00 pm
Calgary Flames players react to Backlund's injury and here's what Huska said
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

An ugly third period proved costly in what was the biggest game of the Calgary Flames’ season to date.

The Flames, thanks in large part to a two-goal performance from Jonathan Huberdeau, appeared to be in control of this game, holding a 3-2 lead while outshooting the Vancouver Canucks heading into the final frame. Then, disaster ensued.

The Flames put forth a lousy effort in the third period, being outshot 17-4. The Canucks wound up tying the game on Elias Pettersson’s 14th of the season, before winning it in a shootout to pick up the extra crucial point.

The loss wasn’t the only concern for the Flames in this one, either. Mikael Backlund played just 2:58 in the first period before exiting the game due to an injury.

“All I know is that it’s an upper body thing. That’s all the info I have right now,” head coach Ryan Huska said.

Though Backlund’s offensive numbers have dropped a bit this season, he has continued to be a steady two-way presence for this team.

“He’s that security blanket. A Swiss Army Knife,” Nazem Kadri said. “He can do a little bit of everything. If Backs can’t go, something was clearly bothering him. I’m not too sure what it was, but I know it probably hurt him not to finish the game.”

On top of his reliable play on the ice, Backlund is also the key leader for this Flames team. Though there are never excuses for a loss, it was evident that they missed having their captain on both the ice and bench.

“He’s the captain of our team. He’s a leader,” Huberdeau said. “It would have been nice to get the win for him. He’s a guy that works the hardest [of anyone] I know. Hopefully it’s not too bad, but we’re going to know a [bit] later.”

With the shootout loss, the Flames are now tied points wise with the Canucks for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. They do hold the tiebreaker, however, with 24 regulation wins to the Canucks’ 23.

A further update on Backlund should be provided following tomorrow morning’s practice.

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