Nicklas Backstrom was one of five former Washington Capitals who attended practice ahead of the team’s ALL CAPS and the Stanley Cup Era Night against the Chicago Blackhawks, Friday.
Backstrom, who has assisted on more Alex Ovechkin goals than any other Capitals player, is deeply proud of his longtime linemate for being on the precipice of breaking the NHL goals record. But that doesn’t mean he won’t chirp the 39-year-old Capitals’ great when necessary.
Per Monumental Sports Network’s Tarik El-Bashir, Ovechkin skated for only 10 minutes during the morning skate before beginning to make his way off the ice. An incredulous Backstrom replied from the bench area, “That’s it, man?”
Ovi shrugged and laughed, according to El-Bashir.
Backstrom’s presence, along with TJ Oshie, Braden Holtby, Brooks Orpik, and Devante Smith-Pelly, brought much-needed levity to the skate as a horde of media were at MedStar Capitals Iceplex with Ovechkin only a hat trick away from breaking the NHL goals record. Capitals superfan Charlie McManus, beloved t-shirt guy, managed to snap a photo from across the ice of Ovechkin sharing a laugh with Oshie as he skated by.
Tonight’s Capitals-Blackhawks game will be the final era night of the team’s 50th anniversary season. All fans in attendance will receive a 50th Anniversary commemorative book. Backstrom, Holtby, Orpik, Oshie, and Smith-Pelly will also participate in a ceremonial faceoff at Capital One Arena.
Regardless of what happens in tonight’s game, Backstrom will remain around the team in the immediate future. He will be part of the Capitals’ traveling party, hoping to see Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal in person.
