LINEUP NOTES - 16.10.19
'Maintenance' day keeps Backlund off the ice, but veteran could play Thursday vs. Red Wings
by RYAN DITTRICK @ryandittrick / CalgaryFlames.com
Bullet. Dodged.
Mikael Backlund may not have been on the ice Wednesday, but the Flames did get some good news when it comes to the status of their versatile centre.
"Negative," said Head Coach Bill Peters of the x-rays taken last night on Backlund's left foot.
"Maintenance day today, but I think he'll play (Thursday).
"We'll give it time. I know he's going to work on getting treatment the rest of the day, get treatment in the morning, probably try it in the pre-game skate and if he's good to go, he'll be in."
Video: "I think we're starting to play the right way"
The veteran left Tuesday's game after blocking a shot late in the third period, but returned shortly after leaving the ice in considerable pain, and with the help of the team's training staff.
"You saw the shot, it was heavy," said Peters. "Thank God for the shot-blockers."
With Backlund absent, the Flames rolled with the following forward line combinations and pairs at practice:
FORWARDS
Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Elias Lindholm
Matthew Tkachuk - Mark Jankowski - Michael Frolik
Andrew Mangiapane - Derek Ryan - Tobias Rieder
Milan Lucic - Sam Bennett - Austin Czarnik
DEFENCE
Mark Giordano - TJ Brodie
Noah Hanifin - Travis Hamonic
Oliver Kylington - Rasmus Andersson
GOALIES
David Rittich
Cam Talbot