Player Discussion David Backes III

[DKH]

do you think backes can center the 3rd line? has anyone found out the mystery behind backes
and wanting to/not wanting to/not capable of playing center?

No idea

Ideally

A. JFK is ready
B. Backes can play well as center
C. Heinen/Backes combo

We will find out in 3 weeks what they think

My guess is they like Backes at RW as on ice coach and a guy who can take faceoffs and get contested pucks out

I’m coaching and none of kids ready I might try this

Donato-Heinen-Backes

Backes would be quasi center anyways

It would be one high hockey IQ line

Heinen can play center per Glorydaze and it wouldn’t even be a classic center basket as Backes can take faceoffs and tie up his counterpart while the quick Heinen can pick up defensive coverage

JFK, Frederic, Studnicka would be perfect but if not I’m going with this hybrid split up responsibility plan

 

[CellyHard]

Backes drops weight to keep up with new NHL

This is good to hear. Looking forward to see a leaner and healthier Backes this year.

 

[Bmessy]

Backes drops weight to keep up with new NHL

This is good to hear. Looking forward to see a leaner and healthier Backes this year.

Hope he worked on his mobility too. Losing some lbs will help but he needs more than just that.

 

[rocketdan9]

Backes drops weight to keep up with new NHL

This is good to hear. Looking forward to see a leaner and healthier Backes this year.

Impressed. At least he is trying hard to improve his mobility/quickness on the ice

Hopefully Krug and Krejci have done the same this offseason. Because if they haven't improved in the mobility department, this team is going nowhere in the playoffs

Going back to Backes, I'm more comfortable now of him staying on the 3rd line. Who knows maybe he will be starting 3C

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Didn't Backes lose weight last year before the season as well?

 

[bob27]

Honestly he wasn't bad last year all things considered. I say this as someone who looks forward to manliness and testosterone being outlawed in hockey. His injury history and contract are pretty spooky though. He's at an age where he might just suddenly drive off the cliff in terms of hockey playing ability.

 

[The don godfather]

Backes is gonna pop 20 book it.

 

[Estlin]

Backes is gonna pop 20 book it.

I’ll take that bet.

 

[ON3M4N]

I’ll take that bet.

I wouldn't be shocked if he did. He was on pace for 20 goals last learn (if not for the injury and surgery)

 

[RedeyeRocketeer]

I think the better bet is him playing 20 games

 

[Pia8988]

I think the better bet is him playing 20 games

I'll take that. I would even give you 5:1 and that wouldn't be enough. The guy lost part of his colon and had his leg sliced open and played 57. Lowest of his career not counting the lockout year.

 

[LouJersey]

Didn't Backes lose weight last year before the season as well?

I don't think it was intentional though

 

[DKH]

I go 20 goals

 

[LouJersey]

I go 20 goals

Same

65-21-20-41

 

[smack66]

I've not been the biggest Backes fan since his arrival but hope he has a tremendous bounce back healthy season. He can go a long way to making the 3rd line a success which translates into more wins for the B's. Lets see what happens.

 

[Estlin]

I wouldn't be shocked if he did. He was on pace for 20 goals last learn (if not for the injury and surgery)

His goal scoring has trended downwards since the 2013-2014 season and he's a year older. Somehow he's going to buck the trend and increase his point production/goal scoring? I'd be surprised if he scores 15.

 

[Krupp]

I mean, he may not hit 20 goals, but I would not doubt him clipping 12-15 and maybe reaching 30-35 points. Backes was hit with so much in terms of physical abuse last year - what he did with what little time he had on ice, was not bad at all.

You can't coach toughness and perseverance. You either have it or you don't. Just another reason I'll miss McQuaid...But Backes will be fine. I'm sure of that.

 

[LouJersey]

His goal scoring has trended downwards since the 2013-2014 season and he's a year older. Somehow he's going to buck the trend and increase his point production/goal scoring? I'd be surprised if he scores 15.

he did score 14 in only 57 games last year. If he plays more I don't see it being impossible.

 

[ON3M4N]

His goal scoring has trended downwards since the 2013-2014 season and he's a year older. Somehow he's going to buck the trend and increase his point production/goal scoring? I'd be surprised if he scores 15.

It's dropped some, but its not like it's fallen off a cliff.

Season	GP	G	G/GP
2013-14	74	27	0.36
2014-15	80	26	0.33
2015-16	79	21	0.27
2016-17	74	17	0.23
2017-18	57	14	0.25

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

The sweet spot to net 20 goals over 82 games is around a 0.24 G/GP. Outside of his first year in Boston, he's been over that G/GP mark. Like I said, I think he could net 20 goals if he can stay healthy this season.

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

yeah I have a real good feeling about Backes this year. I think he's gonna thrive playing with the kids on the 3rd line and continue to be a powerplay asset.

 

[DKH]

If Backes is healthy 20 goals very reachable

 

[mjhfb]

Well Riley Nash got all sorts of credit and netted 15 at 3C with a ton of playing time, even at 1C for a while when Bergy was out.
So if Backes pops 20 at 3C people should be very impressed.

 

[Oates2Neely]

I think Backes has played well (when healthy). With injuries and looking at “games played” we need to take into account the adjustment phase (shaking off rust).

If Backes can stay healthy he’ll be an important cog to this Bruins team. I’m expecting a strong year from Heinen, and I’m thinking Backes will be playing on his line. Those two together can surprise some doubters this coming season.

 

[Mick Riddleton]

Frederic is getting his wish in China and playing on a line with Backes. I hope he learns a lot and who knows maybe they will have chemistry and be the 3rd line, sure would add size to the lineup. Those 2 will try that little extra harder for each other I think. One to mentor and show he still has it. The other to make sure to do what is needed.

 

[hrdpuk]

Backes will do fine this year. There no telling how long he may have been playing under stress from colon problems. He's no teenager at his age age it takes longer to recover.