Nicklas Backstrom’s 1000 games ceremony includes tribute video, gifts, and Capitals team photo at center ice

April 15, 2021 9:07 pm

Nicklas Backstrom was honored for playing in his 1,000th NHL game Thursday during a sweet pregame ceremony. Joined on the ice by his fiancé, Liza; the couple’s three kids, Haley, Vince, and Alizee; and Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan, Backstrom stood in the corner as the team celebrated his 14-year career in the NHL.

The Capitals first played a tribute video over the jumbotron featuring kind words from his teammates, and family.

Video

“It just seemed like yesterday that you walked into the doors of Kettler as a pudgy little Swedish kid,” Olie Kolzig accurately said. “Now you’ve turned into one of the game’s all-time greats.”

“It’s been an honor of you first getting here, winning a Stanley Cup, and seeing you finish your career in a Washington Capitals uniform,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan observed.

“Nick, congrats on 1,000 games,” former teammate Braden Holtby said from Vancouver. “You’ve obviously been an amazing player, but you’ve been a better teammate and friend. Couldn’t be more proud of you.”

“It’s a true honor playing with you on the ice and your friendship off the ice,” Mike Green added.

“It’s fun to watch how you’ve grown up as a person and as a player,” Alex Ovechkin observed. “Wish you all the best to you and your family. Keep going and there’s 1,000 more games to come.”

“From Day 1, you’ve been a role model and I’ve looked up to you,” Tom Wilson said.

“Daddy I love you,” Haley Backstrom said adorably.

“You are my hero and I love you SO much,” added his son Vince.

Capitals players watch along from the bench. They all work N1KY masks over their faces.

Backy was then presented with a commemorative silver stick from MacLellan and an all-inclusive golf trip to any course and resort of his choosing from his Capitals teammates.