Backes Finally Working Out

When the Bruins signed David Backes two years ago their was a ton of worry about the aging forward and how productive he would be as his contract goes on. Backes first season in the black and gold was decent but was his least productive season in his last three years as he was held under 40 points for the first time in 9 years, excluding the lockout shortened season. Even early on this season Bruins fans were skeptical of Backes and what he would be able to do this year, and then an early surgery and a lengthy stay on the IR worried fans even more.

However, Backes has been living it up on the Bruins now revamped third line since his return to the team. In the month of December Backes put up 14 points in the Bruins 14 games. The third line has achieved great chemistry and feel for each other and it has added life to Backes’ offense. Backes looks like the player the Bruins thought they were getting when they signed him. He’s added depth to a third line that has been lighting the lamp almost every night and creating the depth the Bruins need to be contenders. Backes was also named the NHL’s third star of the week last week for his 6 point week.

So what can we expect from Backes the rest of the season? Will he keep up this torrid pace of a point per game? Probably not but we can sure hope and as long as that third line stays healthy they should be a very productive unit for the Bruins. My guess is Backes will end the season with 23 goals and rack up 31 assists. My logic behind the increase in assists is the jump in power play time he has seen over recent games.

The Backes and the Bruins picked up another victory on Tuesday night against the Islanders and are back in action on Thursday hosting the Florida Panthers.

Written By : Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith4386)