Tom Wilson and Evgeny Kuznetsov had two goals each, but it was Nicklas Backstrom who was the Caps MVP against the Habs Saturday.
The Swedish center collected four assists — three of which came in the first period — in the Capitals’ 6-4 win over Montreal. All four were primary assists.
The game marked Backstrom’s 11th career four-assist game. It’s the most among active NHL players.
Assist 1 🍎
WELCOME BACK @kuzya92 #CapsHabs #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/kBevtS57bK
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2018
Backstrom’s first apple came on an Evgeny Kuznetsov’s power-play goal. Backstrom carried the puck up the ice before dishing to Kuzy in the neutral zone. The Russian center would call his own number in the offensive zone, slinging a puck past Carey Price to the tie game 1-1.
Assist 2 🍎🍎
So much room for activities @tom_wilso #CapsHabs #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/nceBNCBkMD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2018
The Swedish dishmaster next tallied a primary apple on Tom Wilson’s 12th goal of the season. While forechecking, Backstrom won a race to the puck and hit Wilson wide open skating into the slot.
Assist 3 🍎🍎🍎
13th goal of the season for @tom_wilso 😏 #CapsHabs #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/NxCzuLsfY3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2018
3:22 later, Backstrom connected with Wilson again. After taking a pass from Andre Burakovsky along the boards, number 19 in white deked twice before sending a slick backhand pass to Wilson wide open.
Assist 4 🍎🍎🍎🍎
Another incredible feed from @backstrom19 #EvergreenCaption #CapsHabs pic.twitter.com/aO8Hulnejc
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 25, 2018
Finally, Backstrom collected his final delicious apple in the third period. On the power play, Backstrom threw an unreal pass to Kuznetsov set up in the crease. Kuznetsov just watched dumbfounded as the puck went off his stick and in.
“I don’t think he really care about points. He care about the team. That’s what make him such great centerman,” Kuznetsov said after the game. “The way he pass the puck it’s unbelievable, especially when I score. Not even move my stick. It just hit my stick. That feels unbelievable.”
With the apples, Backstrom now has 42 assists on the season – his tenth 40-assist or more season.
Nicklas Backstrom becomes the 6th active player with at least 10 seasons of 40 or more assists.
— Matt Casavant (@Mcaz) March 25, 2018
Nicklas Backstrom had a big time night vs MTL, posting 4 assists to bring him into a tie for 3rd all-time with Mike Gartner on the @Capitals career scoring list pic.twitter.com/fnIjxU4TOK
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) March 25, 2018
Nicklas Backstrom recorded his fourth assist of the game. That's his 20th career game with at least four points and his second this season.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 25, 2018
Nicklas Backstrom of the @Capitals recorded the 11th four-assist game of his NHL career, the most among active players. #NHLStats #WSHvsMTL pic.twitter.com/FJXhIhLBY8
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 25, 2018
#CapsHabs 3 ⭐️'s of the game:
⭐️: @backstrom19
⭐️⭐️: @tom_wilso
⭐️⭐️⭐️: @Kuzya92 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ciCSQlAmbm— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 25, 2018
