David Backes had a goal and an assist in Saturday's 6-5 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Backes and teammates Alex Steen and Chris Stewart did pretty much all they could against the previously impenetrable Viktor Fasth. Both Steen and Stewart had a goal and two assists in the loss, while Kevin Shattenkirk and Andy McDonald each chipped in two assists of their own.

David Backes' game misconduct for his actions on Friday have been rescinded. Backes was ejected from Friday's 5-3 loss to Detroit because of an illegal hit to the head to Detroit's Kent Huskins. However, it was apparent based on the replays that Backes never made contact with Huskins' head. Detroit ended up scoring the game-winning goal during the resulting power play.

David Backes generated a goal and an assist as the Blues defeated Columbus 4-1 Thursday. The goal was his first of the season giving him five points in seven games. T.J. Oshie contributed two assists in the victory while Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Berglund and Barret Jackman also scored for St. Louis.

David Backes is still optimistic about a deal after spending three days as part of the negotiating team on the players side. He certainly didn't understand the owners side of things as far as length of contract and length of the CBA deal but was hopeful of an agreement. ƒ?oItƒ?Ts a kick in the groin where we went from Thursday at 3 until Thursday at 10 p.m,ƒ?? Backes said. ƒ?oBut I was optimistic and I guess I still am. Ebbs and flows, I guess. Weƒ?Tll all see where it goes.ƒ?? We guess we all will.

St. Louis Blues forward David Backes is still undecided about playing hockey in Europe. Backes is currently practicing in the St. Louis area with teammates and other NHLers who live in and around St. Louis. "It's possible, but I'm not there yet," Backes said about going to Europe. "I'm hoping that the NHL season starts, but if not, we'll stay active in the community. I'm taking a couple of classes at school, too, trying to finish my degree, so I've got plenty to do here." Backes should be good for 50-plus points and around 100 penalty minutes making him a very valuable commodity in fantasy hockey.

David Backes thinks highly of outgoing Blues president John Davidson. Davidson and the Blues have agreed to part ways with three years still left on his contract. "He's been an ambassador for the Blues and a guy that's led the turnaround here," Blues captain David Backes said. "The position that we're in now compared to when he got here, it's phenomenal. It's definitely been aided by his work. It's sad to see him not be part of the Blues and part of the St. Louis community anymore, but he's a great man and hopefully we can find someone to pick up the slack." The Blues ownership is believed to be interested in cutting costs while also restructuring the front office.

Detroit News hockey columnist Ted Kulfan thinks multi-time Frank Selke winner Pavel Datsyuk of the Red Wings will be beaten out for the award this week by the St. Louis Blues' David Backes. The Selke award goes annual to the player chosen the NHL's top defensive player. Writes Kulfan: "If Datsyuk were to win, he would tie Bob Gainey for most Selkes won (four), but it's doubtful that will happen. Backes was the best overall forward on the league's best defensive team, which likely carried a lot of weight with voters. Backes had 72 blocked shots and 50 takeaways, and was plus-15 while going against opposing teams' best lines."

David Backes scored the Blues' lone goal in St. Louis' 3-1 loss Saturday night. Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron each registered an assist. Patrik Berglund had a team-high three shots on goal. Kris Russell and Kevin Shattenkirk each recorded four blocked shots.

David Backes has been maturing into his role as captain of the St. Louis Blues with the help of coach Ken Hitchcock. Backes was named captain of the Blues in the off-season when Davis Payne was the coach and Hitchcock had questions about his captain when he was hired 13 games into the season. "Ken is really big into ... his belief is the leadership has to be strong in order for the team to be successful, and I echo that," GM Doug Armstrong said. "If it's the coach having to steer the ship all the time, then I don't believe you have success. It's when you have that internal accountability that makes a team good. He was asking about Backes' leadership qualities and I was honest with him. I said, 'I think they're strong. But this is his first time, and you're going to have to work with him. You're going to have to figure it out with him.' And to David's credit, he was like a sponge with Ken, and now he's starting to feel comfortable expressing himself with the players." Backes will look to bounce back from a weak first series against the Sharks.

David Backes is one of the three finalists for the Selke Trophy. Fantasy owners know Backes for his ability to play a physical game while still contributing offensively. He recorded 226 hits and 72 blocked shots in 82 games. The Blues also were a great team defensively, allowing just 26.7 shots per contest. The biggest knock against Backes, as far as voting for this Trophy is concerned, is the fact that his faceoff winning percentage was a lukewarm 48.6.