Nicklas Backstrom is without a doubt the best passer in franchise history. Yet it seems surprising that the unassuming Caps center is the third fastest active player (Sidney Crosby and Jaromir Jagr) and the second fastest Swede (Peter Forsberg) to 500 assists. With Backstrom reaching the threshold Saturday night, I took a closer look at all of Nicky’s milestone assists.
Let’s begin with his first.
Assist 1 – October 5, 2007 vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Backstrom’s first assist came on the power play from the half-wall, which is appropriate. It would mark the beginning of dominance for Nicky from the spot. But look at that power play unit, Michael Nylander, a rookie Backstrom, Brian Pothier, Milan Jurcina, and Matt Pettinger.
Assist 100 – February 2, 2009 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Backtrom’s 100th assist is subtle. Backstrom tipped a Ryan Malone pass to Alex Semin who found Alex Ovechkin. Ovi screamed down the right wing and ripped a shot into the back of the net.
Assist 200 – November 11, 2010 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
His 200th assist had a little more pizzazz. Backstrom led the rush using his deft stickhandling to gain separation from half of the Lightning team. After curling up the wall, Backstrom found Semin cutting into the zone. Defenseman Tom Poti was able to pot the rebound.
Assist 300 – April 7, 2013 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Backstrom makes a couple nice plays on his 300th assist, though the apple is technically off a pokecheck from a Lightning defender. Defenseman Jack Hillen fired the puck toward the net with a helpful tip from Ovechkin for the goal.
Assist 400 – January 27, 2015 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Backy’s 400th assist was a nice one as well. Backstrom passed up chance in a prime shooting position to send the puck back to Matt Niskanen at the point. Niskanen’s shot would click off Andre Burakovsky for the goal.
Assist 500 – January 7, 2017 vs. Ottawa Senators
That @tjoshie77 and @backstrom19 connection. #CapsSens #Backy500 pic.twitter.com/TdavFTNtAB
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 8, 2017
His 500th was another thing of beauty. After receiving a pass from Nate Schmidt in the center of the ice, Nick carried the puck for only a few seconds before laying a nice backhand feed over to TJ Oshie for the one-time goal.
Backstrom’s entire career is full of stunning plays and I would be remiss if I didn’t include this highlight video of the Caps Swede’s top ten assists (it was compiled in 2014). There are some real beauties here.
