Mikael Backlund will return to the lineup against the Dallas Stars on Thursday (9 p.m. ET; SNW, Victory+).
The forward missed six games because of an upper-body injury sustained in the first period of a 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks on March 12. Calgary's captain had not missed a game in the past three full seasons.
"It's been a while since I've missed a lot of games," Backlund said. "I'm proud of the guys. They've been playing really well. It's made my life easier. I'm excited to be back tonight and ready to go."
The Flames (34-25-11) trail the St. Louis Blues by four points for the second wild card into the playoffs from the West. They are on a four-game winning streak and have three games in hand.
"I know what I can control, and I can't control those games," Backlund said. "I was surprised I was so calm during games. You always want to be out there and battle with the boys and play, but then the injury happens. Just trying to stay with it. I'd rather play than watch games, for sure."
Backlund will play center on a line with Blake Coleman and Joel Farabee. He has 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 64 games.
"Obviously a big boost, not just off the ice for his voice but what he does on the ice...," Flames forward Morgan Frost said. "Every situation, hard minutes, big face-offs, playing against the other team's best lines. It's nice to have him back. It adds a little more energy to the group, for sure."
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