Then let me reiterate what I have always said. Backes is a very good player. He could even be great. He has the skills and the heart. But he is dumb as a bag of hammers and his being the Captain is an obstacle this team has to overcome. I think they can, as long as one of the strays he picks up on the way to the games doesn't bite Tarasenko and give him rabies...

Think Pete Rose. Great talent, grinder, big heart but dumber than dirt. Too stupid to get out of his own way. Pete Rose is David Backes, without all the stray animals.