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Digi Nicklas Backstrom scores hat trick in Capitals’ 5-3 simulation game win over Blues

By Ian Oland

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March 24, 2020 8:05 pm

With the coronavirus outbreak pausing the NHL’s 2019-20 season, NBC Sports Washington aired a videogame simulation of tonight’s canceled real-life game between the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues. Digi Nicklas Backstrom scored a hat trick to give the Caps a 5-3 victory, but the first and second stars were broadcasters Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin. Joe B and Locker brought humor and fun to an otherwise dreary, self-quarantine-y night.

A sampling.

“Hagelin looks like he colored his hair a little darker,” a bemused Beninati said.

“It’s his home away from home,” Laughlin said after Tom Wilson was ushered to the penalty box. “He makes a lot of friends there.”

“Not that Rob Thomas,” Craig Laughlin said of Blues’ center Robert Thomas, referring to the Matchbox 20 lead singer.

“Where are all the hats, guys? Where are all the hats?” a shocked Laughlin said after Backstrom tallied his powerplay, empty-net goal for the hatty.

Nicklas Backstrom goal, 1-0 Caps

Nicklas Backstrom goal (2), 2-0 Caps

Ivan Barbashev goal, 2-1 Caps

Alexander Steen goal, 2-2

Lars Eller goal, 3-2 Caps

Alexander Steen goal (2), 3-3

Brenden Dillon goal, 4-3 Caps

Nicklas Backstrom goal (3), 5-3 Caps

Other highlights included this big hit by Brenden Dillon, taking out the digi trash of David Perron.

Joe B Suit of the Night

The broadcast gave a sense of normalcy during a time that is anything but normal.

“Man, I wish we were doing this at Capital One Arena, but we did this at home and I was amazed how quickly the plays developed,” Joe B said.

“I’m excited to do the rest of the season,” Laughlin said.

I hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, it’s nice to know Joe B and Locker will still be here entertaining us.

Read more: Nicklas Backstrom does interview after the game, teases Ovi

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