Caps fans know how important Nicklas Backstrom is to the team. For the last eight years, the Swedish center has set his teammates up for big goals (he is the cheese to Alex Ovechkin’s macaroni), yet he rarely gets the credit he deserves. Backstrom has never been selected for the NHL All-Star game, he was snubbed from NHL.com’s list of top-14 centers, and his virtual self isn’t even ranked as a top-10 center in EA Sport’s NHL16. Backstrom seems to fly under the radar.
In September, Yahoo Sports conducted a poll of 27 NHL players on a variety of topics. One of those topics: “Who is the Most Underrated Player in the NHL?” (Note: players could not vote for their own teammates.)
Leading the vote with 15 percent of responses? Nicklas Backstrom.
“Tremendous 2-way player. Doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” said one all-star center.
Capitals newly acquired forward Justin Williams also received two votes.
It’s nice knowing that while Backstrom might not having all the public accolades, his peers seem to recognize just how good a players he is. Let’s hope that translates into a little love for Nicky B outside of Washington soon.
