Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Sat 3/18/17 12:10 AM

Backlund managed a primary assist on the game's first goal by Michael Frolik on Friday. The Flames beat the Stars at home, 3-1.
EDGE Analysis
It's been an outstanding year for Backlund, as his helper put him in a tie for the team's points lead at 49, sharing the gaudy total with wunderkind Johnny Gaudreau. But that's not all for Backlund, as he reigns supreme on the power play with seven goals and 15 points on the man advantage to complement seven game-winners. He's cruising past career-high marks in several categories, so hopefully he keeps it up with the fantasy playoffs right around the corner.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Sat 3/4/17 2:31 AM

Backlund posted his 20th goal of the season with a plus-1 rating in Friday's 3-2 overtime win against the Red Wings.
EDGE Analysis
The tally was the game winner in overtime. Backlund has posted five goals with seven points with a plus-5 rating over his past six games. He also has managed four goals with 10 points over his past nine games against Eastern Conference foes. Backlund will look to keep up the good work against the Islanders on Sunday afternoon.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Fri 2/24/17 1:01 AM

Backlund scored a goal and added a power-play assist Thursday in a 3-2 win over Tampa Bay.
EDGE Analysis
He's been a remarkably steady presence for fantasy owners lately, picking up nine points in his last eight contests. Backlund is now just four points shy of last year's career-best 47, and with 21 games left on the schedule, he could very well make a run at 60. The 2007 first-round pick is finally growing into his pedigree.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Wed 2/22/17 2:07 AM

Backlund scored twice in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over the Predators.
EDGE Analysis
Backlund's second of the night tied the game 5-5 with 9:10 to play. This effort put the Swedish center over the 40-point mark for just the second time in his career while also bringing him within four of last season's career-high 21 goals.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Mon 2/6/17 1:08 AM

Backlund collected two assists and fired four shots on goal in Sunday's loss to the Rangers.
EDGE Analysis
Another strong game from Backlund, who had the overtime winner against New Jersey on Friday. The 27-year-old is known for being streaky, but his 37 points put him on pace for a career offensive season. He's meshing well with Matthew Tkachuk both at even strength and on the power play, so he could be worth looking at. He's locked into a top-six role and has netted six power-play goals and five game-winners, making him a well-rounded fantasy option.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Sat 2/4/17 12:41 AM

Backlund scored the decisive goal at 1:13 of overtime in Friday's 4-3 win against the Devils.
EDGE Analysis
Backlund snapped a six-game goal drought with the marker. Still, he has posted 11 goals with 23 points over 24 games since Dec. 10. That's quite a lengthy stretch at nearly a point-per-game clip. Backlund isn't a known commodity to the casual fantasy owner, but savvy owners and DFS players know very well what Backlund has been up to, and it's mostly been a sweet ride.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Wed 1/18/17 3:23 AM

Backlund scored a pair of goals with an assist in Tuesday's 5-2 win against the Panthers.
EDGE Analysis
Backlund is fifth in the NHL in points since Dec. 10, posting 10 goals and 10 assists over his past 17 games. He continues to pick up points in bunches, and has emerged as a legitimate No. 1 center in all fantasy formats while running hot. Backlund has managed three game-winning goals over past 11 outings.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Thu 1/12/17 2:51 AM

Backlund notched two assists -- one on the power play -- as well as a plus-2 rating in Wednesday's win over San Jose.
EDGE Analysis
The Swede's spectacular six-game point streak had given way to a pair of scoreless efforts in which he took only one total shot on goal, but he bounced back nicely in this one. Although he still only put one shot on net against the Sharks, fantasy owners surely won't complain about a two-point night. With 12 goals and 17 helpers in 44 games, Backlund's on pace to easily exceed last year's 47 points, and the well-rounded pivot is on track to finish with a positive rating for the fourth straight season.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Wed 12/28/16 8:03 PM

Backlund (bruise) will play Thursday against the Ducks.
EDGE Analysis
Backlund sustained a bruise in Tuesday's game against Colorado after blocking a shot off his knee, but the injury was never believed to be overly serious, so this news doesn't come as much of a surprise. The Flames and fantasy owners alike will be happy to have Backlund healthy and ready to go Thursday, as he's been heating up of late, having racked up 10 points (five goals, five assists) in his last seven games.

Mikael Backlund
C CGY
Wed 12/28/16 12:32 AM

Backlund exited Tuesday's contest against the Avalanche after blocking a shot and did not return, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet reports.
EDGE Analysis
Prior to his exit in the second period, Backlund notched his third three-point performance (2G 1A) in his last seven outings over just 11:51 of ice time. Flames' head coach Glen Gulutzan stated prior to the game that he is hoping the ailment is merely a bruise which would mean he likely wouldn't miss significant time. The 27-year-old will likely be evaluated Wednesday during the team's off day but at this point, his status for Thursday's matchup with the Ducks is uncertain.