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Flames’ Backstrom wins first game in over 15 months

Niklas Backstrom Lars Eller

Calgary Flames goalie Niklas Backstrom makes a save off Montreal Canadiens’ Lars Eller during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 20, 2016, in Montreal. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

AP

Haven’t started an NHL game in over a year? No problem for Flames goalie Niklas Backstrom. The 38-year-old kicked aside 21 of 22 shots in a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night.

The only shot that beat Backstrom was a deflection by Canadiens rookie Michael McCarron with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation.

This was Backstrom’s first start since Jan. 13, 2015 and his first win since Dec. 13, 2014 when he was a member of the Minnesota Wild.

“I can’t even remember my last game … so it’s pretty tough (to remember the last time he’s earned a game-puck),” Backstrom said after the game, per the Calgary Sun. “The guys … I’ve been here for three weeks but it feels like I’ve been here for many years. They’ve really welcomed me well here.

“It’s special, for sure. It’s different than a normal game. The biggest thing was to get a win.”

Speaking of the Wild, he’ll get a chance to face in former team on Thursday night.