Mikael Backlund participated in a ceremonial faceoff alongside Sean Monahan to honor Johnny Gaudreau, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Flames' community and their respect for a former teammate.

Mikael Backlund expressed deep emotions during the tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, highlighting the tragedy of losing a close friend and former teammate. He acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the night, feeling both excitement to see Gaudreau's family and sadness over their loss. Backlund played a key role in the Flames' first goal, showcasing his connection to Gaudreau and the impact of their shared experiences. He emphasized the importance of remembering Gaudreau's love for the game, noting that the victory was dedicated to him.

Mikael Backlund expressed a mix of excitement and sadness at the presence of Johnny Gaudreau's family during the tribute, highlighting the tragedy of their loss. He shared a heartfelt hug with Sean Monahan, a close friend of Gaudreau's, reflecting on the emotional weight of the night. Backlund acknowledged the difficulty of playing under such circumstances but emphasized the importance of remembering Gaudreau's love for the game. He noted the significance of the tribute and the support for Gaudreau's family, indicating a strong bond among teammates and a commitment to honoring Gaudreau's legacy.

Mikael Backlund had a notable performance, contributing two assists and playing a key role in setting up Andersson's power-play goal that opened the scoring for Calgary. He also had a goal overturned for offside after a successful coach's challenge, highlighting his involvement in crucial moments of the game. Backlund's connection to the emotional tribute for the Gaudreau brothers added depth to his performance, as he pointed to their family in the stands after the goal.

Mikael Backlund participated in the ceremonial faceoff against Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan, highlighting his role in honoring Johnny Gaudreau during the tribute night. His involvement reflects the team's commitment to celebrating the legacy of their former star player.