Scouting Report
Mikael Backlund holds a +3.3% FO% edge overall. Kakko wins 45.0% vs left-shot opponents — Backlund shoots left.
Prediction Breakdown
Model
XGBoost ML Model
Overall FO% (Bayesian)
Kakko 49.2% vs Backlund 49.7% (-3.3%)
H2H factor
Not applied (2 meetings, need 10+)
Offensive zone
Kakko 77.6%
Defensive zone
Backlund 85.7%
Neutral zone
Backlund 62.0%
Result
Kaapo Kakko favored at 77.6%
77.6%
22.4%
Kakko
Backlund
Head-to-Head Record
2
-
0
(2 meetings)
2
0
Kakko
Backlund
Zone Breakdown
Offensive Zone
Edge: Kakko
2
0
Kakko
Backlund
2 total
Situation Matchup
Situation
Kakko
Backlund
Edge
Even Strength
52.2% (23)
50.1% (891)
+2.1%
Power Play
20.0% (5)
53.1% (64)
-33.1%
On power play, Backlund has a +33.1% edge.
Handedness & Splits
Handedness
Backlund shoots left. Kakko is 45.0% vs left-shot opponents (20).
Kakko shoots left. Backlund is 49.9% vs left-shot opponents (871).
Home / Away
Kakko
Backlund
Home
43.8% (16)
48.1% (580)
Away
50.0% (12)
51.1% (653)
By Period
Kakko
Backlund
P1
55.6%
45.1%
P2
44.4%
54.7%
P3
40.0%
49.0%
Recent Form
Player
Last 50
Last 200
Career
Kakko
50.0%▲
47.4%
46.4%
Backlund
52.0%▲
48.0%
49.7%
Recent Faceoffs
| Date | Period | Time | Zone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 3 | 14:20 | Offensive | Kaapo Kakko |
| Jan 5, 2026 | 3 | 11:37 | Offensive | Kaapo Kakko |