Backlund scored the game-winner in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime win over the Blackhawks. Despite his team being outplayed for most of the game, Backlund was able to sneak a wrister past Corey Crawford in overtime to lift the Flames to victory. The center now has a goal and an assist in five games so far this season.

Backlund (abdomen) returned to practice Friday, Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun reports. Though he hasn't officially received clearance to play, things appear to be trending in the right direction for Backlund. It's highly probable that he'll be ready to play in Calgary's Oct. 9 season opener against Edmonton.

Backlund is still struggling with an abdominal strain, but coach Bob Hartley is aiming for him to play in the season opener, Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald reports. Backlund is a top-two center for Calgary, so the Flames would like to get him in the lineup to start the season on the right foot. Backlund is coming off a career-high 39-point campaign.

Backlund's abdominal strain is worse than originally thought, Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald reports. Backlund was originally expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, but head coach Bob Hartley stated Monday that he's worried about Backlund's status. The team hasn't given any sort of timetable for the center's return, so keep an eye out for an update in the next few days.

Backlund has been limited in his practice with an abdominal strain, according to the Calgary Sun. Backlund should be fine for when the season starts, but be does have a history of being plagued with injuries. He's coming off a 39-point season, his best in the NHL so far.

Mikael Backlund recorded Sweden's third goal in a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic to claim the bronze medal at the World Hockey Championship. He produced five goals and eight points in 10 games at the tournament. Backlund finally made some positive strides in 2013-14 with a career high 18 goals and 39 points in 76 contests.

Mikael Backlund scored two goals to help Sweden post a 3-0 win over Denmark at the World Hockey Championships on Saturday. Detroit's Gustav Nyquist had the other goal in the match, while Anders Nilsson of the New York Islanders posted the shutout with 21 saves.

Mikael Backlund (thumb) will play for Team Sweden in the 2014 World Championship. Backlund missed the final five games of the season due to his thumb injury. He had 18 goals and 39 points in 76 contests in 2013-14.

Mikael Backlund is dealing with a hand injury. Backlund might miss Friday's game as a result. He has 18 goals and 39 points in 76 games this season.

Mikael Backlund got a goal in the Flames' 3-2 setback versus the Coyotes on Saturday night. In the midst of a very disappointing year in Calgary, there are a few good stories and one of them is the play of Backlund, a 2007 first-round pick. The 24-year-old has 17 goals and 34 points this season. Curtis Glencross notched the other goal. Mike Cammalleri had two assists.