Despite not playing in games with the Washington Capitals, Nicklas Backstrom is still finding ways to help the team win. Dylan Strome, who replaced Backstrom as the team’s leading assist man, spoke Tuesday after practice about how the veteran Swede has helped him form even better chemistry with Alex Ovechkin.
Ovechkin has 10 goals this season, all featuring an assist from Strome.The only Capitals player who could claim a streak like that previously was Backstrom.
“[We’ve talked about being Ovechkin’s center] a little bit, like when Backy was here,” Strome said. “You know, he’s always very, very supportive – very kind to me. And, you know, we golf a lot together. I only played with him for not that many games, maybe like 60 games total. So, you know, I’ve heard a thousand stories about how great of a teammate [he is], and I got to witness that firsthand.
“How good he was for the Caps and for this team and as Ovi’s center. Everyone watched Ovi’s goals growing up, and Backy assisted on the most of anyone. So, lots to learn from that, and just try to find him when he’s open. But, you know, you can’t be afraid to shoot, too.”
Backstrom is well-equipped to provide advice on playing with Ovechkin, as he has been the legendary Russian’s primary center for most of his career. Of Ovechkin’s 863 goals, no player has assisted on more than Backstrom, who can claim he has done so 279 times.
The 36-year-old franchise legend is in the final year of his contract with the Capitals and on long-term injured reserve due to a well-known hip-related injury. While he has watched some of the team’s practices from the sidelines and participated in some of their group activities, Backstrom hasn’t dressed for a game since October 29, 2023, against the San Jose Sharks.
At one point, Backstrom was perceived as the most likely playmaker to provide the assist on the goal Ovechkin scores to match Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record.
Now, that responsibility seems to have fallen to Strome. And he has the perfect player in his ear about it.
