Nicklas Backstrom just reached another huge milestone in his distinguished career.
The Swedish center tallied three assists Monday against the Vancouver Canucks to cross the 600-assist mark in his career. Apple number 600, of course, came on an Alex Ovechkin goal.
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The assist occurred 5:35 into the third period. Backstrom, standing on the half wall during a Capitals powerplay, dished to John Carlson at the point.
Carlson’s shot broke Markus Granlund’s stick and bounced directly to Ovechkin. Chaos ensued until the Russian machine unleashed a shot from the Ovi Spot, giving The Great Eight 615 goals in his illustrious career. Backstrom recorded a secondary assist on the tally. He’s the 87th player to ever reach 600 apples.
Earlier in the day, Backstrom spoke about the significance of Rogers Arena in his career.
“It’s fun to play games here,” Backstrom said. “That year was pretty special because Ovi was the one calling my name (at the NHL Draft).”
Backstrom is the most prolific passer from the 2006 NHL Draft.
Nicklas Backstrom is the dishmaster of the 2006 Draft Class pic.twitter.com/fxrQuKZz6i
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 23, 2018
Bacsktrom got his third assist of the night later in the game off a TJ Oshie empty-net goal.
That brought Backstrom to 601 assists total, moving him above fellow Swede Henrik Sedin.
Nicklas Backstrom is quietly staking his claim for the Hockey Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/VazMKAEKUu
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 23, 2018
Backstrom’s first assist of the evening came after he gained the offensive zone late in the second period. Ovechkin would eventually deflect the puck in off his right leg.
“It’s obviously fun,” Backstrom said after the game about his milestone. “At the end of the day, we won the game. That’s the most important thing. It means that I’ve been playing in this league a long time. It’s a nice milestone, of course, but I’m not going to stop there. I’m going to keep going.”
When asked if he expected to have as much offensive success as he’s had, Backstrom replied, “No, absolutely not. I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting out of myself. I just try to enjoy it. Luckily this organization believed in me and played me after a couple of games there. And then it just took off. It’s been going fast but I’ve had so much fun.”
.@backstrom19 after recording his 600th career assist tonight in Vancouver #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/4WJpQny24D
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 23, 2018
It’s been a lot of fun for the fans too. Congrats, Nicky!
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Canucks
Headline photo: @Capitals
