CALGARY — As the final seconds counted down on the type of night dreams are made of, Mikael Backlund’s six-pack of Swedish besties assembled outside the dressing room, waiting to pounce.
As soon as the Flames captain arrived, the lads wearing Flames Backlund jerseys with “1,000” on the back mobbed their childhood pal.
Chanting, cheering, dancing and grinning, they sang in their native tongue to punctuate a silver stick celebration the 35-year-old will never forget.
“I don’t know what they were saying, but seems like a fun group,” said Blake Coleman, whose late third-period deflection was the difference in a 3-0 win.
“And whatever they were having must have been pretty good stuff.”
It snapped a four-game losing skid, it atoned for a faceplant in Utah for Backlund’s milestone night, and it came against a goalie who wanted out of Calgary.
It was as delicious a series of storylines as you can imagine on a night in which Backlund was feted for his perseverance, community work and loyalty.
Jarome Iginla and Craig Conroy showed up for the pre-game ceremony with Backlund’s family and rowdy pals in tow.
As a video tribute rolled with emotional messages from current and former players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sean Monahan and Jacob Markstrom, Backlund held young son Oliver in his arms, looked skyward and fought back tears.
“It was a special moment to share with my family,” said Backlund, head spinning from a night of non-stop emotion.
“It was special to get that silver stick from (part-owner) Mr. (Allan) Markin.
“I was really proud to hold that stick.”
In an organization that’s been defined the last two years by all those who’ve left, the crowd relished the opportunity to stand and salute his dedication.
“I haven’t seen him cry that much in a long time, but it was well earned, and we’re really happy for him,” smiled Coleman, who followed his empty netter by turning immediately to embrace Backlund, telling him how happy and proud he was of him.
“I think (the crying) was just all game. Every time I looked at him, he looked a little watery, as he should.
“I know his kids got him emotional there.
“I was worried he wouldn’t see the dot for the first puck drop, but he played a great game. The team did too.
“It’s good to honour him on this night.”
The team did a nice job honouring Markstrom’s four years of service in Calgary, too, with a first-period video tribute the veteran netminder acknowledged with a half wave. The fans responded with lukewarm applause, mindful of the fact it was Markstrom who prompted his summertime trade by wanting out of Calgary.
They later relished in chanting his name in the dying minute, prompting the veteran to smile.
Prior to that, it looked at times like Markstrom might steal the show, making the bulk of his 29 saves the first 55 minutes before Coleman’s redirect off a Kevin Bahl point shot.
Yes, there was plenty of symbolism, given Bahl was part of the return in the Markstrom trade, and the secondary assist went to Backlund.
“It’s a special place for sure, and fans here are great,” said Markstrom afterwards.
“Congrats to Backs, first of all. It’s a huge milestone. He’s a good friend, not on the ice but off the ice. Tough one for us. It was back and forth until five minutes left in the game, and Colesy got a Colesy goal, nice tip, and then they scored to make it 2-0.”
As the media exited the Flames’ dressing room, Markstrom was waiting to enter, surely to catch up with pals and congratulate former tandem-mate Dan Vladar on his first goose egg of the year, saving 22 shots.
“I was not nervous, but I didn’t feel comfortable, to be honest, playing against Marky because he’s a really good friend of mine,” admitted Vladar, who faced two breakaways and two two-on-ones in the opening ten minutes of the second period.
“Obviously this is a nice day for me. It’s a huge win for us after a couple losses in a row.”
After letting the captain down two nights earlier, there was tremendous pride in the room after coming through for Backlund Friday.
“It was awesome — it only happens once, so I’ve been trying to soak it all in,” said Backlund, who will host 30 visitors from Sweden and close Calgary friends at his house Saturday night.
“(My pals) came into the locker room too and were hugging everyone. It was a big celebration here. We’re going to really enjoy this tonight.”
And for many years to come.
