'We,' indeed.
The collective efforts of this line have been a real boon for the Flames, who appear to be finding their stride and are playing truer to their identity than they have at any point this year.
Backlund, in particular, is the poster boy for what 'playing the right way' truly means. He's the fixer. The conscience. Players are often matched up with him to help get them going and to learn his elite, two-way stylings. We're seeing that now with the 23-year-old Ruzicka, who has 13 points (6G, 7A) in 14 games and looks more confident now than he ever has at this level.
His emergence is one of the most important stories of the year for the Flames, who needed both versatility and depth scoring on the wing and now have it - at least, partially - thanks to that internal hire.
Backlund, too, seems to be hungrier in 2022.
"I didn't really do anything different over the off-season, but coming into the year and knowing who I was going to play with every day, that helped a lot," Backlund said. "Not getting new linemates and trying to find that chemistry all over again, that's huge - especially with how we finished the year.
"Even with Darryl, having him last year for that full season and knowing him well, it all makes a difference.
"I felt like I took a big step in the playoffs and wanted to keep that momentum going. I also want to keep being a leader for this team, too, and part of that is letting my on-ice game do the talking. I think I've done that so far."
Backlund, 33, has five goals and 13 points in 24 games this year. Most importantly, he plays the hard minutes and is often tasked with some of the heaviest defensive responsibilities.
With 850 games to his name, Backlund is the longest-tenured member of the organization - and while he doesn't officially wear the 'C' on his chest (but is one of three alternates), it's clear his voice carries weight in the Flames locker-room.
Meanwhile, on the ice, he's been integral to helping a youngster such as Ruzicka find comfort and play to his potential.
"We talk," Backlund said. "If there's something I feel needs to be said, I'll let him know and try to help him out, but he's a good player and he understands. The consistency is something every young player needs to work on, and if he wants to stay in this league and keep playing at this level, he has to take pride in that and push himself, because that's what it takes.
"He's a smart, skilled player. He's really good with the puck and reads the game well. He has those tools, that vision and those hands. If he keeps playing the right way and takes advantage of every opportunity and works hard every day, keep pushing himself, he's going to be a good player in this league.
"He's got all the tools to do it."
Certainly, this line will be relied on to help steer the ship as the Flames look for a second straight win tonight. The Arizona Coyotes might be struggling, but speed, skill and a relentless work ethic can make for a "dangerous combination," as Backlund explained.
They'll have to be at their best.
Because, with their game now rounding into form, it's time to make hay and string some wins together.
"I think we've been playing really well lately," Backlund said. "There are no moral victories in this league, but the game against Montreal, I thought we played pretty well, too. The three games we've played at home here, I think we've played some good hockey and it's something we can definitely on. We need to put some games together here, some wins, so we can move up the ladder and catch those other teams."
