Backes scored two goals on three shots, added an assist and two PIM, and went plus-5 in Thursday's season-opening win over Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

That's one heck of a way to endear yourself to your new hometown fans (albeit in a road game) after 10 seasons in St. Louis. Backes stepped up into a bit of a bigger role than he'll usually play with Patrice Bergeron (lower body) out of the lineup, including shifting to center. He'll generally play on the wing once the B's typical top-line pivot returns, but Backes may get to enjoy a couple more games in this role first.