Backlund scored on a penalty shot for the Flames' only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Kings on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund was tripped on a breakaway by Drew Doughty late in the third period, and he managed to pot the penalty shot, spoiling Jonathan Quick's shutout bid. While not coming in normal play, the goal broke Backlund's goose egg for the year. The Swedish center has three points and 20 shots in nine games this season.

Backlund generated an assist and two shots on goal in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund set up the Flames' first tally, feeding Rasmus Andersson for the goal. The center now has assists in consecutive games, and he's posted nine shots on goal in five appearances.

Backlund dished an assist, three shots on goal and four hits in Thursday's 3-2 shootout win over the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

The assist was a sublime pass to Noah Hanifin, who buried the game-tying goal. Backlund hadn't recorded a point in the previous three games of the year. The Swedish center now has seven shots on goal to go with his lone helper.

Backlund went minus-2 with two shots on goal in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund was returning to action after a minor lower-body injury, but he wasn't able to make much of an impact in the first game of the year. The 30-year-old center should continue to be a staple on the Flames' second line this season.

As expected, Backlund (lower body) is in the projected lineup for Thursday's season opener against Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund has been nursing a minor lower-body injury over the past few days, but he was always considered closer to probable than questionable for Thursday's tilt. The 30-year-old Swede, who put up 21 goals and 47 points in 77 games last campaign, will center Calgary's second line and second power-play unit against the Avalanche.

Backlund (lower body) is likely to play Thursday, but his appearance in the lineup is not guaranteed, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund is still nursing a lower-body injury from Saturday's preseason finale. He practiced in his usual second-line spot before the Flames traveled to Colorado for the season opener. It's not expected to be a long-term issue for the center. If he's unable to play, Sam Bennett will jump up to the second line in Backlund's stead.

Backlund (lower body) should be ready to go for the Flames' first game Thursday versus the Avalanche, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund exited Saturday's preseason finale early, but it was considered a precautionary removal. The Swedish center should return to his usual second-line role between Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik for Thursday's game against the Avalanche.

Backlund was removed from Saturday's game early for precautionary reasons following a lower-body injury, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Opening Night on tap Thursday, the Flames have little reason to send star players like Backlund back into action if they are nicked up in any way. As a result, his night has come to an end early and owners will eagerly await word on his status. At this point, there's little reason to believe he won't be available.

Backlund (illness) will return to the lineup Tuesday, Kristen Anderson of The Calgary Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund missed Saturday's practice with an illness and didn't play in Sunday's game versus the Jets. The Flames are icing a fairly veteran lineup for Tuesday's rematch with the Jets, and that will include their Swedish two-way center. Backlund has consistently reached 45 points in each of the last four seasons, making him an attractive late-round option for fantasy owners.

Backlund (illness) did not practice Saturday, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund registered an assist and a hit in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Oilers, but he was sick Saturday morning and did not practice. The illness may cost the Swedish center some practices and preseason games, but he should be fine for the start of the regular season.