For Bruins veteran David Backes, this season has been challenging to say the least.
While he appeared in 70 games after appearing in only 57 last year, his offensive production dropped. The former Blue recorded 20 points, his lowest total since coming to Boston. In order to stay in the lineup, he had to change his game and become more of a physical presence.
When the playoffs began last month, he was a healthy scratch until Game 4 against Toronto. Since then, Backes has made the most of his opportunities and now is only four wins away from hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Every championship team is made up of unique stories, and Backes is no different. Since signing with Boston three years ago, Backes has been the constant target of criticism.
While he is a great leader, he has been unable to live up to his contract. After three straight seasons of 45 plus points in St. Louis, he has never cracked the 40-point mark once in Boston.
His fit at times has been uneven, as he struggled regardless of what line the Bruins placed him on and has dealt with various injuries. Throughout this playoff run, however, the veteran winger has been an important piece.
Additionally, in eleven games this postseason Backes has two goals and three assists. While those statistics do not jump off the page, he has made contributions in other ways.
He has helped neutralize the physicality and size of Columbus and Carolina. When Backes was inserted into the lineup against Toronto, he brought the physical edge that the Bruins second line lacked. That quality does not show up on the stat sheet but at times, he’s shifted the momentum in the Bruins favor.
When Backes left St. Louis for Boston in free agency he was hoping his postseason fortunes would change. During his tenure with the Blues, they made it out of the first round just once, coming in 2012, and were immediately swept in the second round.
When asked about what making the Final means, especially for the younger players, Backes said, “Some guys play their whole career and never get this opportunity. So we’re trying to let them know how important this moment is and to make the most of it.”
For Backes, he has made the most of the Bruins playoff run and reminded fans why he is important to this team. The ending of this team’s story has yet to be written, and Backes will play a major role as he tries to win a Cup against his former team.
