I’m a horrible influence. On Saturday night, after I noticed Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg was at the Caps game, I encouraged fans to go down get an autograph from him. Then on Twitter, I dared one of our readers, @Caps_shutterbug, to get a selfie with Stras during intermission.
She actually did it.
Photos by Chris Gordon.
Nicklas Backstrom is a quiet Swedish assist machine. He sits in the background, setting up Ovi and racking up points. He’s a bit shy, often speaking to reporters siting down and speaking in a soft tone. He’s not underrated. People know Backstrom is good, but he’s just doesn’t flout it at all. That’s why he’s not one of the league’s most recognizable stars, despite the skill and stats to back it up.
But we Caps fans know how good he is. Tonight, Backstrom put on a grand Saturday night production. After not scoring in almost a month, Backstrom registered a natural hat trick, his first three goal game since 2010, as the Caps beat the Bolts 4-2.
There was a present waiting for him after the game. Upon entering the Capitals locker room, Backstrom found his locker filled with the hats thrown on the ice by fans.
“I don’t know who the f—k was doing that,” Backstrom told me. “Someone surprised me.”
By Chris Gordon 8 years ago
Photo: Caps Instagram
Nicklas Backstrom scored a natural hat trick on Saturday night, which meant Caps fans got a chance to throw their favorite hats onto the ice.
But not everything they threw were hats.
Wish-recipient Lauren Santora had a great weekend. Her dream came true meeting Alex Ovechkin. She scored on Braden Holtby, a goal that was eventually narrated by voice of the Caps, John Walton.
And that was just Friday. On Saturday, the eight-year-old suffering from type 1 diabetes, was honored at the Caps/Lightning game. Well, if you call getting snowed by Tom Wilson an honor (which she probably would).
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom made it rain hats tonight. Nicky scored the first regular-season hat trick of his career and the Caps’ first natural hat trick since Alex Semin did it in 2010. Backstrom’s only other hatty came against the Habs in the 2010 playoffs (OMG DONT REMIND ME).
Party animal celebrates career achievement (Photo: @myregularface)
Twice this week the Capitals faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, maybe the best team in the east, and twice the Capitals have won. At home on Saturday night, the Caps played a steady game on unsteady ice. With a solid backstop and the consensus most underrated player in the league, the Caps seemed to have it sewn up until a late volley by the Bolts made it scary.
Both teams emerged scoreless from a power-play-packed first period, then Nick Backstrom struck twice in the second– both times up close. Backstrom earned the natural hat trick with a wrister from the slot in the third. Tyler Johnson ended the shutout in the final five minutes, and then Matthew Carle made it scary with a wrister super late.
But Eric Fehr got the empty netter because he’s bacon bits.
Caps beat Bolts 4-2! Backtrick!
By Peter Hassett 8 years ago
Midway through the second period, the Capitals faced a daunting challenge. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green got whistled for penalties, giving Tampa a full two-minute five-on-three power play.
No matter, Braden Holtby was up for the challenge, making one of the most brilliant saves of the year.
Midway through the second period, the Capitals faced a daunting challenge. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green got whistled for penalties, giving Tampa a full two-minute five-on-three power play.
No matter, Braden Holtby was up for the challenge, making one of the most brilliant saves of the year.
Earlier today, the Washington Nationals held their annual fan fest in DC. All of the big names were in attendance (minus big pewpy Bryce Harper). Stephen Strasburg, who traveled all the way from San Diego to hang out with fans, attended the Capitals game later that night.
From Caps Instagram, which I want to call Capstagram, but I won’t.
The Capitals’ last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning was probably the best of the season, an encouraging 5-3 win over a good opponent on the road. Now the Caps are home, the winning streak is dead, and we look to claim another pelt from what might be the best team in the league.
Unless you’ve got tickets, you’ll be tuning in with me at 7 PM on CSN.
| Team | Record | Possession | PDO | Power Play | Penalty Kill |
| Washington Capitals | 13-10-5 | 51.2% | 99.1 | 27.8% | 75.9% |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 19-8-3 | 53.9% | 101.0 | 18.3% | 81.6% |
By Peter Hassett 8 years ago
