Lost in the hubbub of all the Caps’ dominant wins, Nicklas Backstrom has crept into the league leaders in points.
During his last 18 games, Backstrom’s been arguably the Caps’ best player, tallying seven goals and 20 assists. The Caps’ first-line center now trails Sidney Crosby (60) and Connor McDavid (60) by only three points. Ahead of Saturday night’s games, Backstrom (57) sits in a three-way tie for third with Brad Marchand and Brent Burns.
Check out those names below him. Wow.
Last year, after being relegated at times to the team’s second line, Backstrom finished third in points (70), trailing Evgeny Kuznetsov (77) and Alex Ovechkin (71). It was the first time in a decade that Backstrom or Ovechkin have not ended the season as the team’s top point-getter. This year, Backstrom appears unwilling to relent.
Through 55 games, Backstrom leads Alex Ovechkin by seven points and Evgeny Kuznetsov by 13.
Backstrom is buoyed by his 22 power-play points that leads the team.
In terms of assists, Backstrom sits second in the NHL with 41. He trails Connor McDavid by only one juicy apple.
Thursday against the Red Wings, Backstrom recorded three points (one goal, two assists), which marked his tenth multi-assist game of the season and his fifth three-point game. The Gavle, Sweden, native sits one point shy of becoming the fourth player in franchise history to record 700 points with Washington, joining Alex Ovechkin, Peter Bondra and Mike Gartner.
What a season for Nicky.
