Nicklas Backstrom has hit paydirt for the first time this season.
The former Capitals great scored with 59 seconds remaining in the first period to put Brynäs IF up 1-0 over Färjestad BK. Fellow 2018 Stanley Cup champions, Michal Kempny and Christian Djoos, registered assists on the play.
The tally, scored at Färjestad’s Löfbergs Arena, came on a sensational rush up ice by the former NHL All-Star. Starting in the defensive zone, Backstrom stick-handled around one poke-check before sliding by a Färjestad rearguard who lost his edge near the blue line. Speeding in on a two-on-one, Backstrom called his own number and beat goaltender Emil Larmi to the far corner.
Loud cheers filled the visiting arena as Backstrom let out a roar along the glass with his celebrating teammates.
He also had his own cheering section on one side of the building.
“That was nice,” Backstrom said to TV4 during intermission, and translated by Google Translate. “We try to make it difficult for them, stay on, and create some pressure. A good first period.”
The goal is Backstrom’s seventh point this season and comes after the Swedish pivot registered six assists in his first eight games back in the SHL.
“I don’t go around thinking about it, but you can feel it,” Backstrom said of his goalless streak to start the year. “That’s how it works in sports, but of course it’s nice to break this today.”
Remarkably, it’s the first time Backstrom has lit the lamp in a competitive game since April 6, 2023, against the Montreal Canadiens during his penultimate season in the NHL. His last goal in the SHL came over 18 years ago — a span of 6,795 days.
Brynäs went on to win the game 2-1.
