Maverick vs. Maverick

Former Mavericks captain David Backes and the St. Louis Blues were knocked out of the Stanley Cup playoffs last week, and Backes had an emotional postgame presser that really showed his character after his season ended.

Backes may be done for the summer, but some former MSU players are still playing.

In the ECHL's Kelly Cup finals, it's Maverick against Maverick as Brett Stern and the Wheeling Nailers are taking on Jean-Paul LaFontaine and the Allen Americans. The series is tied 1-1 after two games (including a wild, 7-6 Wheeling win on Sunday afternoon) with Game 3 set for Wednesday night in Wheeling. Each former Maverick has an assist in the series.

Stern, a defenseman, has had an outstanding season in Wheeling (West Virginia). In 72 regular-season games he had 7 goals and 17 assists with 157 shots on goal, 63 penalty minutes and was +5. He's -10 in 22 playoff games but has four points (1 goal) with 42 shots and 16 PIMs.

LaFontaine, a forward, played 60 games in Allen (Texas), compiling 5 goals and 15 assists with 54 shots and 44 PIMs. His +/- is even. In 18 playoff games, he has seven points (1 goal) with 20 shots, one penalty and an even +/-.