Craig Smith vs Mikael Backlund

2024-25 · Faceoff Head-to-Head
Scouting Report

Mikael Backlund holds a +13.6% FO% edge overall. Smith wins 35.0% vs left-shot opponents — Backlund shoots left.

Prediction Breakdown
Model XGBoost ML Model
Overall FO% (Bayesian) Smith 47.2% vs Backlund 48.5% (-13.6%)
Offensive zone Smith 74.8%
Defensive zone Backlund 84.4%
Neutral zone Backlund 57.2%
Result Mikael Backlund favored at 55.6%
44.4%
55.6%
Smith Backlund
No head-to-head faceoffs recorded

Situation Matchup

Situation
Smith
Backlund
Edge
Even Strength
29.4% (17)
50.4% (1,032)
-21.0%
Power Play
50.0% (6)
52.3% (107)
-2.3%
On even strength, Backlund has a +21.0% edge.

Handedness & Splits

Handedness
Backlund shoots left. Smith is 35.0% vs left-shot opponents (20).
Smith shoots right. Backlund is 50.0% vs right-shot opponents (438).
Home / Away
Smith
Backlund
Home
44.4% (9)
48.7% (749)
Away
28.6% (14)
48.1% (703)
By Period
Smith
Backlund
P1
33.3%
50.4%
P2
46.2%
50.1%
P3
14.3%
45.8%
Final 5 min
40.0%
50.5%

Recent Form

Player
Last 50
Last 200
Career
Smith
30.0%
44.0%
34.8%
Backlund
52.0%
48.0%
48.4%