St. Louis Blues pay tribute to former captain David Backes (Video)
The St. Louis Blues welcomed home former captain David Backes on Tuesday when the Boston Bruins came to town.
From 2010-11 to his departure after the 2015-16 NHL season, David Backes served as the captain of the St. Louis Blues. A second-round pick of the Blues in the 2003 NHL Draft, he spent his first 10 seasons with them. In 727 games with St. Louis, Backes put up 206 goals and 254 assists for 460 points. His 14 points in the 2015-16 postseason helped the Blues reach the Western Conference Finals, where they eventually fell to the San Jose Sharks.
During the offseason, Backes signed with the Boston Bruins, leaving a void in St. Louis. On Tuesday, for the first time in his career, he played in the Scottrade Center as a member of the visiting team. The Blues made sure to pay tribute to their former captain and their fans welcomed Backes back.
It’s hard to picture Backes in anything but a Blues uniform. For so many years, he exemplified the heart and soul of St. Louis. Unfortunately, Backes left before getting to play in the Winter Classic at Busch Stadium.
However, the former captain still keeps in touch with his teammates. Around Thanksgiving, the Blues had an away game in Boston. Being the good captain that he is, Backes hosted his former teammates for dinner.
Thanksgiving came early at the Backes house. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/BlJN5SiR9H
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) November 22, 2016
Entering Tuesday’s game, Backes has been solid for the Bruins. In 31 games this season, he has 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points. Backes already has 101 hits this season, dishing out pain and goals for Boston.
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The Blues beat the Bruins in November. Right now, Boston is fighting for a spot in the playoffs, as they enter Tuesday with a 21-17-5 record, putting them in second place in the Atlantic Division.