After battling the Blues to a 3-3 tie in regulation, the Capitals received a clutch goal in overtime from Nicklas Backstrom to win their ninth straight game at home.
But it was what Backstrom did after the goal that made everyone grin ear-to-ear across the DC area.
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Saint @backstrom19 makes it 9-straight wins on home ice! #CapsBlues #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/u92ByYvUJ2
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 7, 2018
Backstrom’s goal came after the Swedish center knocked Colton Parayko’s twig out of his hands in the defensive zone. The Blues complained that it was a penalty, but the Caps kept playing.
TJ Oshie gathered in the loose puck and Backstrom, noticing the Blues were making a line change, sped up the ice looking for a breakout pass.
Oshie hit Backstrom and Nicky took care of the rest, scoring on the breakaway.
Despite the puck bouncing, Backstrom was able to roof the puck past Carter Hutton.
He was very excited for his goal hug.
With the tally, Backstrom passed Bengt Gustafsson and tied Alexander Semin for fifth on the Capitals’ all-time goals list.
With the overtime-winning goal, Nicklas Backstrom has tied Alexander Semin for fifth all-time on the franchise's goals scored list. pic.twitter.com/0PCIDOCZT3
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 7, 2018
Backstrom also recorded an assist on Ovechkin’s third-period goal, which marked his third-straight game with an assist (five assists).
After the game, Backstrom also authored the most touching moment of the night. Named one of the three stars of the game, Nicky tossed a signed puck to a kid in the front row. Dad caught the biscuit and then gave it to his son, who began freaking out in the best way.
This is another one of those sweet moments that reminds me why I love this sport so much. This kid is now a hockey fan for life, if he wasn’t already.
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