Backlund assisted on the opening goal in Friday's 2-1 win over the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund skated in his 600th NHL game and marked the occasion by extending his point streak to four games. In that span, he has six points and 15 shots after leading this contest with six attempts on goal. Backlund's recent hot stretch may warrant attention in formats with a focus on points and plus-minus.

Backlund scored twice Monday, as the Flames dropped eight goals to San Jose's five-spot on New Year's Eve.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund potted the first two goals for the Flames, but as you can see from the barnburner of a score, there would be plenty more where that came from. The Swede has a cushy role as a second-line center insulated by gritty scoring winger Matthew Tkachuk and two-way virtuoso Michael Frolik.

Backlund (undisclosed) was activated from injured reserve and will play in Sunday's game versus the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund spent the last four games on the shelf with a mystery condition but he'll return to the top six for an afternoon matchup. The 29-year-old has five goals and 17 points -- all at even strength -- in 29 games this year topped off by an impressive plus-12 rating. The Blues have been wildly inconsistent this season, so it's tough to gauge his full fantasy potential in this outing.

Despite practicing Friday, Backlund (undisclosed) will not play against host Minnesota in Saturday's matinee, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund remains with the team for a three-game road trip that wraps up in Dallas on Tuesday, which suggests that the 11th-year pivot is closing in on his return. He'll presumably be reevaluated ahead of Sunday's clash with the Blues.

Backlund (undisclosed) will join the Flames for their upcoming three-game road trip, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund has already missed three games due to his undisclosed issue, but figures to rejoin the lineup before the team returns to Calgary on Dec. 20 versus the Lightning. Once Backlund is cleared to return, Alan Quine figures to be the odd man out and headed back to AHL Stockton.

Backlund (undisclosed) will not play Wednesday evening against host Philadelphia, John Shannon of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

This news is corroborated by the fact that Backlund remains on injured reserve. Alan Quine has been filling in for 2007's first-round (24th overall) draft pick, though it's anything but an even exchange, as Backlund is one of the team's most most prominent special teams contributors. At this point, it's anyone's guess when he'll be back in tow.

The Flames have placed Backlund (undisclosed) on injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund was ruled out for both Saturday and Sunday's contests on Friday, but his placement on injured reserve ensures that he will miss Wednesday's tilt against the Flyers as well. The Flames could certainly use the help of the veteran pivot -- who owns 17 points in 29 games this season -- but next Saturday against the Wild will be the first time he's eligible to rejoin the lineup.

Backlund (undisclosed) won't play Saturday against Nashville or Sunday against the Oilers, Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a big loss for the Flames and fantasy owners alike, as Backlund has been on a roll recently, notching two goals and six points while posting a plus-5 rating in his last six games. A potential timetable for the Swedish pivot's recovery has yet to be established, but another update on his status should surface prior to Wednesday's matchup with the Flyers.

Backlund scored two goals and three points plus recorded four shots and a plus-4 rating in a 4-1 victory against the Kings on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old scored 36 seconds into the game, but then his other two points didn't come until the final minute of regulation and both were the result of an empty net. That hurts the idea that Backlund is on a hot streak, but he still has points in three straight games. He finished November with four goals, 10 points, and a plus-8 rating in 13 games.

Backlund picked up an assist in a 6-1 victory over the Coyotes on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

This gives Backlund nine assists on the season to go with three goals. Last year, the 29-year-old's goal total dropped to 14, thanks in part to a 6.5 shooting percentage. However, so far regression to the mean has not been on the Swede's side. Backlund has a 5.0 shooting percentage through 24 games this season.