Takeaways from the Calgary Flames' 4-3 overtime win over the Seattle Kraken: Backlund's big moment came with a perfect script
All of the aspects surrounding Mikael Backlund’s 500th NHL point pretty much fell perfectly in place.
On top of becoming the 11th player in Flames history to reach that milestone with the club — the captain’s number — Backlund’s memorable point came in a 4-3 victory and while setting up fellow Swede Rasmus Andersson.
Rest assured, the often low-key Backlund does not mind someone else was the hero in Monday’s road win over the Seattle Kraken.
Joining a list that includes Jarome Iginla, Theoren Fleury, Al MacInnis, Joe Nieuwendyk, Johnny Gaudreau, Gary Suter, Kent Nilsson, Guy Chouinard, Mark Giordano and Gary Roberts means every bit as much, maybe even more, then potting an overtime tally.
“It feels good that it was a pass on a winning goal,” Backlund told the media in Seattle. “A big win for us, and yeah, it’s a big milestone. When I came into the league, my first few years, I never maybe thought or expected myself to get to 500 points, let alone stay in the league this long.
“I worked hard to get here today, so I’m proud and excited about it.”
On a night Andrew Mangipane scored his 100th career goal, which forced overtime, the Flames scored a power-play goal for the first time in seven games (Jonathan Huberdeau’s first period tally) and Andersson’s goal finally earned the Flames an overtime win.
With the Flames (7-8-3) on a 5-1-2 run that has them two points out of wild-card spot heading into Wednesday’s game against the Nashville Predators, here are three more thoughts from the game.
Huberdeau building more momentum
Jonathan Huberdeau’s power-play goal was key in more ways than one. Not only did it give Calgary’s moribund man-advantage a jolt, but provided another boost of confidence for the player whose game has been markedly improved in the past handful of games.
It wasn’t the only way Huberdeau was noticeable. Not only did he add an assist, his second two-point game in three outings, but — and this should excite fans the most — the sign of his engagement came without any points involved.
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Huberdeau threw a couple of hard checks, including one on Brandon Tanev, and was credited with three hits.
By comparison, Huberdeau had been credited with seven hits in the first 17 games of the season. Yeah, we know Calgary is known for being notoriously stingy with crediting hits, while the off-ice officials in other cities hand them out like mini-chocolate bars on Halloween, but Huberdeau’s physical play is another example of him being more involved in a positive way.
Zary facing the next test
It was only a matter of time, but rookie forward Connor Zary finally had that game. You know the one, when he doesn’t have all of the juice, things do not fall in place and the ice time dwindles.
Zary, who earned eight points in his first eight NHL games, was a bit player in the third period comeback — as were fellow forwards Walker Duehr and Yegor Sharangovich. Zary saw 11:07 in ice time in Seattle, his lowest total in a game by more than three minutes. Prior to puck drop, he had averaged 16:34.
A step back is no surprise. How Zary reacts next game will be the real test.
Vladar finding his form
The Flames have a perfect 6-0-0 record in Seattle since the Kraken joined the NHL. Dan Vladar was the man behind the mask in both Calgary victories this season. As he was last season.
In fact, Vladar has been the winning goalie in the last five Flames visits to the coffee capital.
Vladar’s raw numbers are still not pretty, but when it came time to shut the door in Monday’s win, he did just that.
His improved play is good news for him and the organization. It’s hard to imagine top prospect Dustin Wolf will be in the AHL next season, and Vladar being traded is a likely scenario to open the door for that arrival.
More games like this one from Vladar, the better a potential return becomes all the better.
