Actually, I do remember MarkGio sounding off about Backlund prior to the scratch, so 'credit' to him. I disagreed with him then, and I disagree with him now. But thank you for this post.
Yes, this is true. But I wasn't aware of the numbers HighLifeMan has presented to us. When I criticized Backlund, I recall mentioning that he is/was very good defensively.
If offensive production is what Hartley wants out of Backlund then he needs to start putting him in the situations where he has a legitimate chance of reaching those expectations. Mikael Backlund has by far the most defensive zone starts out of any forward on this team, and compared to the other center's it is not even remotely close.
Offensive Zone Starts
Joe Colborne - 65%
Sean Monahan - 58.5%
Matt Stajan - 53.8%
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Mikael Backlund - 41%
As you can see here one player is being relied upon to do the heavy lifting in the defensive zone. You could make the argument that Mikael Backlund is the reason that Colborne and Monahan have looked so confident out there, and he is for sure the reason they have been given the easier assignments.
You can't have it both ways..and Hartley needs to realize that. Hopefully with a healthy Stajan in the lineup on a consistent basis it will allow for Backlund to take on more of an offensive role instead of being relied upon so heavily in a pure defensive capacity.
Basically what I am saying is that Hartley is either asking far to much out of Backlund given his current role on this team, or...that role needs to be changed completely.
These are the numbers I speak of. Very telling data and, as always, a well thought analysis from HLM.
Yes.. I have watched the games (thanks for asking..) and I disagree with your and assessment of his play. So be it..
There is a difference between whining/complaining and having a differing opinion on a certain matter/decision/player/coach etc... I am well within my rights as a fan of this team to question and sometimes disagree with the decisions that are being made on a day to day basis.
Just because the team is exceeding the expectations of many does not suggest that they should be free of any and all criticism's. I am far from a pessimist but I don't (and shouldn't) agree with every roster move that is made, and I am not afraid to voice that opinion when such a thing does happen.
Yes, HLM watches the games and IMO watches them with a keen eye and understanding of hockey. His contributions and analysis should not be dismissed or belittled whatsoever,
except when they dispute Markgio's posts!
And you're a Hartley fanboy. Seriously, what is gained by posts like this? If you don't want to debate an opposite opinion, then don't reply to those posts.
Highlife man has made some very valid points and I find it extremely conspicuous that everyone with something negative to say about Backlund waited until AFTER he was benched to let their opinions be known. If he was playing so poorly I find it odd no one had anything to say about it prior to then.
Yes, all good points. I had not noticed any overt criticism towards Backlund (other than my own) until his recent scratching. I will also admit that my frustration towards Backlund may have been influenced by a struggling fantasy hockey club that will go unnamed at this time... for privacy reasons....
