Redemption: Flames Blank Devils To Cap Backlund 1K Celebration

Not even Mikael Backlund is sure what song his pals were singing in a wild scrum outside the dressing room after the Calgary Flames' 3-0 win on Friday.

It might have been a redemption song.

After the Flames fell flat against the Utah Hockey Club in their first attempt to celebrate their captain's 1,000th NHL game, they made good on their intention to honour Backlund with a solid effort against the New Jersey Devils at the Saddledome.

The manic mobbing of Backlund by a half-dozen of his closest friends was a fitting way to end a night that began with the customary presentation of a silver stick in a pre-game ceremony celebrating the 35-year-old Flames' milestone.

Blake Coleman's pair of goals and Dan Vladar's shutout helped make it happen, all while staring down former Flames starter Jacob Markstrom at the other end of the rink. The team dedicated the victory to Backlund after dropping his 1,000th contest 5-1 in Utah.

Related: Backlund’s 1,000: Legacy of Loyalty, Leadership, and Community

"We owed him one, for sure. That one felt good," said Coleman, who cracked the scoreless contest open with less than six minutes left in regulation by tipping in a point shot from Kevin Bahl. "I think I havent’t seen him cry that much in a long time.

"It was well-earned; we’re really happy for him."

The win ended a four-game losing streak, setting them up for more confidence with the Edmonton Oilers coming to town on Sunday.

Flames GM Craig Conroy and legend Jarome Iginla were in house for the pre-game ceremony, which featured a tribute video that included heartfelt messages from former teammates like Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk and Markstrom.

Coleman said Backlund's eyes seemed a little wet all night.

"It was a special moment to share with my family. To see some current teammates, and some old teammates up on the screen, seeing Jarome and Conny on the ice, just special," Backlund said. "And then to get that silver stick from Mr. Markin, (Flames part-owner) it was just so awesome. I was really proud to hold that stick."