Saturday night, Nicklas Backstrom returned from offseason hip surgery after missing three regular season games. He didn’t miss a beat. Nicky had a goal and two assists in the Capitals’ 4-1 win over Carolina. It was almost odd how seamlessly he jumped back into the lineup.
After the game, CSN Washington’s Al Koken asked Backstrom what his secret was.
“I think to be honest with you, skating with our strength coach,” Backstrom said. “It’s been really hard. That’s actually harder than a game. It’s a good thing. I’m feeling good right now and that’s all that matters.”
During training camp, Backstrom would skate before the rest of the team with Nemish and defenseman Brooks Orpik. He also did off-ice work with personal trainer Andreas Öhgren, whom he described as “the best in Sweden.”
It seems to have worked.
Meanwhile, Backstrom remained modest while talking with reporters.
Backstrom on his goal: "I was a little bit lucky, I think, to be honest with you."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) October 18, 2015
Sorry, Nick, but I don’t think it’s luck. I think it’s all the hard work you put in.
