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Calgary Flames: Three Stars of the Week February 27 – March 5

By Ramina Shlah

Feb 28, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie (7) celebrates his goal with his team against the Los Angeles Kings during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie (7) celebrates his goal with his team against the Los Angeles Kings during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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THIRD STAR

Mikael Backlund

Mikael Backlund, or as the team now refers to him as, Mikael Selke continues to impress. Every single player named Mike who is on the Calgary Flames is an excellent player. Backlund had one goal and two assists this week. Three points in three games, that’s not too shabby. However, what is impressive is with his one assist he had in the game against the New York Islanders to end the Flames week on a high note, that tied his career-high in points.

He now has 47 points in 66 games. His highest came last year which was 47 points in 82 games. He’s also just one goal from hitting his personal-high as well, 21 goals, which also came last season. He’s currently projected at earning 58 points this season and 24 goals. Him having the season of his career is an understatement.

Related Story: Mikael Backlund Should be a Selke Trophy Finalist

And this week too is when some other players on the Flames decided that his new name is now Mikael Selke (the Selke trophy is awarded to the forward who ‘demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game).

Via Calgaryflames.com:

"More from Editorials Flames captaincy updates and candidate rankings Luck, Goalies & Coaching: Three Questions for the 2023/24 Calgary Flames Predicting the Calgary Flames leadership group under Captain Andersson The Case for Captain Huberdeau Calgary Flames Prospect Countdown: No. 7 “He’s known as Mikael Selke around here,” freshman linemate Matthew Tkachuk told one and all. “Should he be in the conversation?” says Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “100%. In my time here, Backs is a guy who’s really been under the radar. Doesn’t get the accolades but there’s a reason the coaches play him all the time – because he does everything right. “It’s not easy playing against top guys every night, taking every defensive-zone draw. Glen (Gulutzan) and I joke: ‘We do everything we can to put Backs 10 feet under water to start every game.’ “He touches so many parts of the game. Plays both sides of special teams. First over the boards for the big faceoff. First over the boards on the penalty kill. You can count those guys on one hand – Kopitar, Toews, Bergeron. “Those guys help you win. “Mikael’s put himself into that category.”"

Will Mikael Backlund be a legitimate Selke trophy contender? Of course, I’m going to say yes because I’m biased. However, Treliving has a point. You can count the best defensive-forwards on one hand.

And Backlund definitely falls into the same topic of conversation as those guys. He’s been underestimated basically his entire career and people are just now finally starting to recognize his skill.

That’s why he made it as our third star this week. If I can, he’d be a star of the week every week. He’s been one of the Flames most consistent players all season long.

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