Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund hit a major milestone, notching his 600th NHL career point with a goal against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. Backlund, at 36, showed his veteran savvy by slipping a quick wrist shot past Devils goalie-and former Flames teammate-Jacob Markstrom early in the third period. This goal, assisted by Joel Farabee and Brayden Pachal, marked Backlund’s 14th of the season and pushed the Flames ahead 5-2.
Not only did Backlund become the ninth player in Flames history to reach 600 points, but he also tied Kent Nilsson for fifth on the team’s all-time goal-scoring list. Drafted 24th overall by the Flames in 2007, Backlund has been a consistent presence for Calgary, second only to Jarome Iginla in games played for the franchise.
Over his 18-season career with the Flames, Backlund has played 1,131 games, tallying 229 goals and 371 assists for 600 points, along with 503 penalty minutes and a +80 rating. In playoff action, he’s added 12 goals and 22 points over 42 games.
Before Backlund's milestone goal, the Flames built their lead with contributions from John Beecher, who scored twice, and former Devils Yegor Sharangovich and Kevin Bahl. New faces Olli Maatta, Ryan Strome, and Victor Olofsson also chipped in with assists.
The Flames came into Thursday's game with a 25-32-7 record, sitting seventh in the Pacific Division and 31st overall in the NHL standings. The matchup in New Jersey was the third stop on a five-game road trip, following losses to the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers.
This game marked the final meeting between the Flames and Devils for the 2025-26 season. The Devils had previously edged out the Flames in a 2-1 overtime win at the Saddledome back in January, with Nazem Kadri scoring Calgary’s lone goal in that contest.