Listened to the Big Show (usually don't because they pile on a bit much at times) and they brought up the one player they felt was not playing anywhere to a new gear. Backlund. They weren't being insulting, but he's the longest player Flames player we have. He's been in enough of the post season disappointment to be one of the guys that has to start taking the team on his back. Pardon the pun. He's been a killer in the regular seaosn for years, has brought along players like Tkachuk and Mangiapane. But he's never added a gear to his post season game. Yes, the top line has to do more. They are the finishers, but Backlund is responsible for the 2nd most minutes among C's. AAnd always near tops in ice time. If Toffoli and Mange aren't going, you have to put part of the blame on him.
Toffoli has had success playing in important games in the playoffs. 14 points in 22 games last year. 4 points in 7 games with VAN. But he's relied on C's and other players to help pull the weight.