Photo credit: dynamo.ru

On Monday Nicklas Backstrom, sporting his new #99 jersey, made his debut for Dynamo Moscow and returned to a familiar spot: centering Alex Ovechkin on the top line. The BFFs clicked instantly.

Backstrom assisted on the first goal of the game, a snapshot by Ovechkin past Lokomotiv Yaroslavl goaltender (and former teammate) Semyon Varlamov on the power play. Ovechkin would add an assist in the third period (and also challenge half of Lokomotiv’s roster to a fight). Dynamo won 3-0.

To the video!

Ovechkin’s goal is at the 48 seconds. His assist is at 2:14 mark. Ovechkin almost hits Backstrom on a backdoor goal at 1:44.

Backstrom and his #99 jersey. (Photo credit: khl.ru)

The goal is vintage Ovi. After he skates around one player, Ovechkin uses a Lokomotiv defenseman as a screen and snaps a shot past an unaware Varlamov. On his third period assist, Ovi utilizes his speed, puts the puck on his backhand, and sends a pass to his mate on the first line Richard Gynge for an insurance goal.

Backstrom was in good spirits as he spoke to reporters after the game. In an interview with HockeySveirge and translated by Malin Andersson of Japers Rink, Backstrom said:

It felt damn good to finally play a game again. I think it’s fair to say that I have been waiting on this for quite some time now.

Backstrom and Ovechkin will hit the ice again on Wednesday as they take on Alex Semin and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod.

Photo credit: khl.ru