Johan Backlund got the start tonight for the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms. Playing in his first game since the Flyers final preseason game where he gave up 7 goals on 20 shots versus the Sabres. Tonight he got the call against the Birmingham Senators, the Ottawa Senators affiliates. Backlund ended the night facing 49 shots in a losing effort for the Phantoms. While Patrick Maroon got the lone A'Dack goal in the 5-1 loss.
Backlund is still on his way back and these AHL starts are hopefully just minor setbacks on his road to competting for the Flyers starting job. After the Finnish goaltender signed a two year contract this offseason, many including the Flyers brass thought that he would via for a roster spot on the Flyers. Since returning from rehabbing hip surgery, Backlund has looked shaky at best.
Bobrovsky's emergence may have squandered Backlund chance of making the roster. However, the pressure is on Brian Boucher and Sergei Bobrovsky to stay on their toes as a soon-to-be healthy Backlund could try to fight one of them off for a spot. News came out today that Leighton will be out atleast 6 weeks with back surgery. Meaning a door may have just opened for either Bobrovsky or Backlund to become the Flyers number 1 goalie.
Right now Bobrovsky looks to be the guy for Peter Laviolette and company, but a few sloppy starts might have the Flyers core pulling at straws and Backlund could be the guy they choose to throw into the fire. Keep tabs on Johan Backlund on the Phantoms for he may be your next starting goaltender, Philadelphia.
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