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Nicklas Backstrom News & Rumors

Nicklas Backstrom regrets drawing suspension
April 19
Washington Times
 
"Nicklas Backstrom is about as mild-mannered as they come for the Washington Capitals. Forward Troy Brouwer praised him for having a "level head" and insisted the star center won't do anything to jeopardize his teammates moving forward in their first-round series against the Boston Bruins. But in losing his cool, Backstrom already has. His cross-check to Rich Peverley's face at the horn Monday earned him a one-game suspension and plenty of regret. "I did what I had to do. I think it was stupid on my part. I've got to deal with it now," a remorseful Backstrom said."
Hunter: Bruins targeting Backstrom's head
April 17
CSN Washington
 
"Capitals coach Dale Hunter accused the Boston Bruins of intentionally targeting the head of Nicklas Backstrom and says his star center was only protecting himself when he cross-checked Rich Peverely in the chin at the conclusion of Game 3 Monday night. Backstrom received a match penalty for the cross-check which carries an automatic suspension, pending a review by NHL director of player safety Brendan Shanahan. A ruling is expected to be released by the league on Wednesday. "I don't think he's going to be suspended," Hunter said. "If you slow it down frame by frame, where was [Peverley's] stick? It was up in his face first … and Nicky reacted to it. "I think [Backstrom] was trying to"
Nicklas Backstrom receives match penalty for cross check, could face suspension
April 17
Washington Post
 
"Tempers flared often Thursday night in Game 3 between the Capitals and Bruins, but the fracas that could have a lasting impact came after time expired. Boston forward Rich Peverly tripped Alex Ovechkin in the corner of the Washington zone, drawing the ire of Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals center came to Ovechkin's aid and proceeded to cross check Peverley to the face. It was Backstrom's third penalized cross check of the game and this one garnered a match penalty, which results in an automatic suspension pending review by the NHL's department of player safety. Coach Dale Hunter was optimistic after Washington's 4-3 loss that the 24-year-old Swede won't face supplementary discipline."
Nicklas Backstrom deserves a spot in Game 4
April 17
Washington Post
 columnist Mike Wise
"If the Pittsburgh Penguins have given any NHL team a playoff blueprint, Sidney Crosby and his wanna-be tough guys have shown that a team can care too much. In their zeal to match machismo instead of goals with Philadelphia, the Pens have shown how losing your head may eventually lose a series. I kept thinking of that lesson when I watched replays of Nicklas Backstrom cross-checking Rich Peverley in the face near the end of one of the most riveting hockey games in maybe three years at Verizon Center Monday night. If the match penalty Backstrom was hit with isn't rescinded by the NHL lords of discipline the next two days, this early heirloom of an NHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal series"
Nicklas strikes Back on Tim Thomas
April 15
Boston Herald
 
"Washington center Nicklas Backstrom took one shot from Tim Thomas and put a bigger one by him in the Capitals' 2-1 victory against the Bruins in double overtime yesterday at the Garden. Backstrom provided the decisive goal at 2:56 of the second extra period to even the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at 1-1. The teams will do battle again Monday in Washington. Backstrom had been a source of extreme irritation for Thomas for two periods and most of the third. Thomas struck back at Backstrom with unabashed authority with 2:26 to play in regulation. Backstrom was on the doorstep poking away at a loose puck and continued doing so after the whistle. Backstrom infuriated the Bruins"
Nicklas Backstrom vaults Capitals to victory over Bruins in second overtime
April 15
Washington Post
 
"For the second straight game in this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, the Washington Capitals demonstrated their ability to play gritty team defense and rookie goaltender Braden Holtby proved he's more than capable of strong performances in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And this time, when the contest against the Boston Bruins went to double overtime, it would be the Capitals who emerged with a crucial 2-1 victory, evening the series as it shifts to Washington for Games 3 and 4. Nicklas Backstrom scored 2 minutes 56 seconds into Saturday's second overtime to seal a gutsy win that featured fearless shot-blocking, offensive patience and a strict dedication to defensive priorities. The"
Capitals' George McPhee on Nicklas Backstrom: 'We're just happy he's back'
April 10
Washington Post
 
"As the NHL's trade deadline passed on Feb. 27, General Manager George McPhee stood pat. While he explained the reasoning behind keeping the roster he assembled last summer intact, McPhee also gave the group a vote of confidence in stating that the Capitals were not to be underestimated when Nicklas Backstrom returned to the lineup. "If Nicky Backstrom came back, it certainly would improve our chances of being able to win a Cup," McPhee said on Feb. 27. "We can make the playoffs with this team. And if he comes back, we can beat anybody in this conference.""
Nicklas Backstrom: 'It was a fun game to play'
April 1
Washington Post
 
"t wasn't pretty, but the Capitals came away with a 3-2 shootout win over Montreal on Saturday night and tightened their grip on a playoff spot with two more points combined with Buffalo's loss to Toronto. You can read more about the overall contest, including the Capitals' displeasure with coughing up a two-goal lead and Michal Neuvirth's night, in my story for the hard-copy edition. The highlight of the night, however, was Nicklas Backstrom's highly anticipated return to the Washington lineup after missing 40 games with a concussion."
Nicklas Backstrom returns as Washington wins in a shootout
April 1
Washington Post
 
"For the third time in five games the Washington Capitals watched a two-goal lead evaporate on Saturday night. But with the end of the regular season only a week away and the battle for the playoffs reaching a climax, the method takes a back seat to the points earned. On a night that saw Nicklas Backstrom return to the lineup and Michal Neuvirth stand on his head in goal, the Capitals came away with a necessary 3-2 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens at Verizon Center to push closer to a postseason berth. "All that really matters at the end of the day is you get your two points," winger Troy Brouwer said. "You know we're not exactly happy with the way we got the two points, but we"
Nicklas Backstrom's return could be imminent, but mental readiness still a question
March 31
Washington Times
 
"Sweat dripped from Nicklas Backstrom's hair just minutes after he stepped off the ice following some tiring battle drills with Washington Capitals teammate Jay Beagle. It was another step in Backstrom's preparation to return to game action after missing almost three months with a concussion. Physically, Backstrom looked ready. "We said the other day that he looks as good as the other guys that have been playing all year," assistant coach Dean Evason said. Gauging his lungs, the 24-year-old said, "I haven't felt better.""
Nicklas Backstrom could return to Capitals on Saturday
March 31
Washington Post
 
"During each of his on-ice workouts over the past five days, Nicklas Backstrom has worked to fight off a teammate or assistant coach along the boards as he protects the puck. The glass rattles with each aggressive check, push or shove Backstrom gives and receives. "I haven't felt better," he said Friday as sweat dripped down his face. His teammates note his strength during drills and coaches comment that the center's natural timing is as present as it was three months ago, before a concussion interrupted his season. As Backstrom continues to practice without a setback, indications are growing that his return may be imminent. Backstrom, the Capitals' No. 1 center, might even return to the"
Nicklas Backstrom will not play in Boston
March 29
Washington Post
 
"Although Nicklas Backstrom is making the trip to Boston with the Capitals, the center will not suit up for Thursday's game. "No. Not tomorrow," Backstrom said. "We'll see. We take it day-by-day and see how it goes." Backstrom has missed 39 games with a concussion but over the past five days he has been cleared to take part in regular practices without any limitations and passed a neuropsychological test that was a mandatory step on his being able to return to the lineup. Even with that progress and the importance of each remaining regular season game for the Capitals, Backstromsaid he's not in game shape."
Nicklas Backstrom will not play in Boston
March 28
Washington Post
 
"Although Nicklas Backstrom is making the trip to Boston with the Capitals, the center will not suit up for Thursday's game. "No. Not tomorrow," Backstrom said. "We'll see. We take it day-by-day and see how it goes." Backstrom has missed 39 games with a concussion but over the past five days he has been cleared to take part in regular practices without any limitations and passed a neuropsychological test that was a mandatory step on his being able to return to the lineup. Even with that progress and the importance of each remaining regular season game for the Capitals, Backstromsaid he's not in game shape."
Backstrom nears return to battle
March 27
CSN Washington
 
"Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom remained on the ice long after most of his teammates today at Kettler, battling in the corners with Jeff Halpern and Joel Ward, then breaking through for shots on Tomas Vokoun. It was another step for a player anxious to return to the lineup for the first time since suffering a concussion on Jan. 3. "He's doing battle drills, he's getting ready for contact, and getting ready for games," Capitals coach Dale Hunter said. "It takes these kind of resistance drills and he's doing well.""
Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom passes neuropsychological test
March 28
Washington Post
 
"Three days after being cleared to participate in practices without any restrictions, Nicklas Backstrom has taken another step forward in his recovery from a concussion. General Manager George McPhee said Backstrom passed the baseline neuropsychological test on Tuesday, which was one of the requirements for him to receive medical clearance to return to the lineup. "He did pass his test today with flying colors, which is really good news," McPhee said. "He performed better on this than he did on the baseline [test conducted during training camp]. We'll see where it goes from here but it looks like the worst is behind for Nicky.""
Nicklas Backstrom: 'I'm not a hundred percent yet, but I'm getting there'
March 27
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom was cleared for full participation in practice over the weekend but Monday's 45-minute session marked the first time he has able to skate in a regular workout with the entire Capitals roster since Jan. 6 in San Jose. While it's definitely good news to see Backstrom progressing, just a friendly disclaimer to remember that he still must clear a few more hurdles before the Capitals' doctors and training staff will allow him back into the lineup. (More on that here.) "I'm not a hundred percent yet, but I'm getting there. It takes a little time," said Backstrom, who has been on the ice 13 of the past 14 days. "It felt good. But I think it's going to be even better.""
Nicklas Backstrom cleared to practice fully with Capitals
March 25
Washington Times
 
"Karl Alzner didn't officially know the deal with Nicklas Backstrom on Saturday morning, but he saw the Washington Capitals star center getting dressed to go on the ice for practice. So did others. "I think you saw a few more guys out for the optional skate today because of that reason, because they wanted to get out there and skate with Nicky a little bit," Alzner said with a big smile. "Everybody gets real excited when he's out there." No one was more excited than Backstrom himself, finally cleared for full participation in Caps practices with no restrictions. That means contact and everything, a significant step as he hopes to return from a concussion suffered Jan. 3. "I've been looking"
Nicklas Backstrom returns to practice for the Washington Capitals
March 25
Washington Post
 
"It looked like any other optional practice at the Washington Capitals' facility in Arlington on Saturday morning until the red-clad fans in the stands began to applaud and the handful of players on the ice started tapping their sticks against the boards. The clamor was a welcome for Nicklas Backstrom, who has missed 37 games with a concussion, as he stepped on the ice cleared for full participation in practice for the first time since Jan. 6. "I've been looking forward to this for 21 / 2 months," a grinning Backstrom said after the workout. "I'm kind of happy right now. It's good to practice with the guys; feels pretty good out there. I haven't been skating long, but it feels all right"
Nicklas Backstrom cleared to practice with Capitals
March 24
Washington Times
 
"What can feel like an elixir for the Washington Capitals blowing a three-goal lead? Nicklas Backstrom making a huge step in his potential return from a concussion. That happened Saturday morning as Backstrom was cleared to practice with the team without any restrictions, a team spokesman said. This means he's cleared for contact and possibly a return before the end of the regular season. "It's good sign for us. Everybody knows we miss him," captain Alex Ovechkin said. "He's that kind of guy we need right now. So I hope he's going to be OK and he going to help us in these kind of games." Backstrom has not practiced fully with teammates since Jan. 6 in San Jose. He was not on the ice Jan. 7"
Dale Hunter hints Nicklas Backstrom may take part in practice next week
March 22
Washington Post
 
"Each day Nicklas Backstrom skates offers encouragement to the Capitals. The latest was a 35-minute workout Wednesday morning with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish that marked the eighth day out of the past nine that Backstrom has skated. While there is no timeline for when Backstrom might be ready to return to game action, Coach Dale Hunter hinted that the Swedish center could take part in a team practice next week. "He's going to do more and more," Hunter said when asked if there was a target date for Backstrom to practice with his teammates. "You'll see, next week he's going to do more.""
Dale Hunter hints Nicklas Backstrom may take part in practice next week
March 21
Washington Post
 
"Each day Nicklas Backstrom skates offers encouragement to the Capitals. The latest was a 35-minute workout Wednesday morning with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish that marked the eighth day out of the past nine that Backstrom has skated. While there is no timeline for when Backstrom might be ready to return to game action, Coach Dale Hunter hinted that the Swedish center could take part in a team practice next week. "He's going to do more and more," Hunter said when asked if there was a target date for Backstrom to practice with his teammates. "You'll see, next week he's going to do more.""
And on the seventh day ...
March 20
CSN Washington
 
"And on the seventh day, Nicklas Backstrom rested. After skating six consecutive days without reporting concussion symptoms Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was given a scheduled day off the ice today at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Sidelined since Jan. 3, Backstrom is gradually increasing the intensity of his on-ice workouts and his steady progress is a beacon of hope for Caps fans waiting to see their team with a fully assembled roster for the first time since October. "It looks like the worst is behind him," Capitals general manager George McPhee told CSNwashington. "He's one heck of a hockey player and it's nice to see him skating again. We just have to be very patient and careful, use a"
Nicklas Backstrom progress overshadowed by Alex Ovechkin injury scare
March 16
Washington Times
 
"It was hard to wipe the smile off Nicklas Backstrom's face Thursday. But that shouldn't be all that surprising considering the Washington Capitals star skated three days in a row, a significant step forward in his recovery from a concussion that has sidelined him since early January. "As soon as we see him around skating, we're all smiles too," defenseman Karl Alzner said. "Just the fact that he's on the ice is huge. We're all pretty happy about that." But those feelings were quickly overshadowed. About 10 minutes into practice, forwards Alex Ovech-kin and Mike Knuble collided at full speed during a drill."
Nicklas Backstrom on recovery from concussion: 'Right now I feel good'
March 16
Washington Post
 
"On the day Nicklas Backstrom began ramping up the intensity of his workouts, the Caps center acknowledged that the biggest challenge will be avoiding the urge to push himself too hard, too soon. Sidney Crosby returned from nearly a year off because of a concussion in November and played eight games – racking up 12 points – before leaving the lineup again in December following another head injury. The Penguins' captain makes his second return tonight against the Rangers. Crosby's experience, Backstrom said, has made him more cautious in his approach. "That's something I don't want to do," said Backstrom, who has been sidelined since Jan. 7."
Injured forward Backstrom takes respite in Sweden
March 5
NHL.com
 
"Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom is in Sweden to spend time with his family, a team spokesman confirmed to NHL.com Monday. The Capitals' No. 1 center has been sidelined with a concussion since taking an elbow to the head from then-Calgary Flames forward Rene Bourque on Jan. 3. Backstrom has skated for just five minutes over the past 58 days -- an attempt on Jan. 23. He has since been limited to riding a stationary bike. According to the team, Backstrom is not seeing any medical specialists in Sweden, and the return home is strictly to see family and to spend some time away from hockey. Backstrom spoke to reporters last month and acknowledged the frustration in coming to the"
Capitals place Nicklas Backstrom on long-term injured reserve
February 27
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals have placed top center Nicklas Backstrom on the long-term injured list, freeing up additional space under the salary cap as today's 3 p.m. trading deadline approaches. The move would give General Manager George McPhee about $7.6 million in room to maneuver, but the team would benefit from that full amount only if Backstrom is out for the rest of the regular season."
Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has 'day-to-day' struggle with concussion
February 12
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom stood outside the Washington Capitals' dressing room Thursday night at Verizon Center, leaning against a doorway in a charcoal gray suit. He caught up with his Swedish countrymen from that evening's opponent, and occasionally cracked just the slightest smile. For that moment, it seemed easy to forget that Backstrom remains sidelined indefinitely by a concussion, unable to play or even skate for more than five minutes over the past month. His plight is not atypical of players who have suffered head injuries this season, and his return will come only after he meets protocols established by the league. Sunday, when the Capitals take on the Eastern Conference-leading New York"
Nicklas Backstrom: 'I don't know when I will be able to play again'
February 9
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom hasn't skated for more than five minutes over the past 34 days, and based on his recent comments to Swedish news outlet Gefle Dagblad, there continues to be no indication as to when the Capitals center may be able to return to the lineup. Backstrom suffered a concussion on Jan. 3 when he was elbowed in the head by then-Calgary forward Rene Bourque and has not played since, missing 15 games and counting. The 24-year-old's comments to Gefle Dagblad, which was translated by our friends over at Japers' Rink, do not offer much reason for optimism as the Capitals continue to wait for his recovery. "I don't know when I will be able to play again," Backstrom said, "but I hope I"
Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals 'being extra cautious' with concussion
January 20
Washington Post
 
"Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has not skated for 13 straight days since suffering a concussion earlier this month when he was elbowed in the head by then-Flames forward Rene Bourque. (Read more here about Washington attempting to get some payback last night.) General Manager George McPhee said Tuesday that Backstrom is "progressing," but the team is being careful about not rushing his recovery."
Nicklas Backstrom 'progressing,' George McPhee says
January 18
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom has not skated for 11 straight days since suffering a concussion earlier this month, but General Manager George McPhee said that the Capitals center is making progress in his recovery. "Nick's doing really well. I'm I guess happy to report he's progressing," McPhee told reporters Tuesday morning."
Backstrom back before All-Star break?
January 18
CSN Washington
 
"George McPhee said center Nicklas Backstrom (concussion symptoms) is progressing "really well" and he is not ruling out the possibility of the 24-year-old center's returning to the Capitals lineup before the Jan. 29 All-Star Game. Backstrom has not played since taking an elbow to the chin on Jan. 3 and has not skated in 11 days. "He feels good," McPhee said. "I'm happy to report he's progressing."
Backstrom back before All-Star break?
January 17
CSN Washington
 
"George McPhee said center Nicklas Backstrom (concussion symptoms) is progressing "really well" and he is not ruling out the possibility of the 24-year-old center's returning to the Capitals lineup before the Jan. 29 All-Star Game. Backstrom has not played since taking an elbow to the chin on Jan. 3 and has not skated in 11 days. "He feels good," McPhee said. "I'm happy to report he's progressing."
Nicklas Backstrom may not return until after All-Star break
January 14
Washington Times
 
"There's no indication of when Washington Capitals leading scorer Nicklas Backstrom (42 points) will be back. With head injuries, symptoms can change from day to day. That's likely what coach Dale Hunter means when he says, "Nicklas, he's just day-to-day still." Backstrom has no timetable to return to skating or game action. But Friday night, Hunter was asked about the possibility of keeping Backstrom out through the NHL All-Star break like the Caps are doing with defenseman Mike Green, who was placed on long-term injured reserve this week. "The All-Star break's close — 11 days — we're monitoring him, and we'll see how he is, day-to-day how he is," Hunter said. "As it gets closer, it could"
No timetable for Nicklas Backstrom or Mike Green to return
January 13
Washington Post
 
"Aside from the news about the 2012 NHL All-Star roster, it was a relatively quiet day at KCI on Thursday as the Capitals held an optional on-ice workout. With the team in a strenuous stretch of games nearly every other day leading up to the all-star break Jan. 26-30, only a handful of players took part in the skate. Those who did participate were: Michal Neuvirth, Alexander Semin, Marcus Johansson, Matt Hendricks, Mathieu Perreault, Jay Beagle, Dmitry Orlov, John Erskine, Tomas Kundratek and Jeff Schultz."
Hunter: Capitals 'being cautious' with Backstrom
January 11
Washington Post
 
"Coach Dale Hunter did not provide much of an update on the status of Nicklas Backstrom (head) or Mike Green (groin muscle) after the morning skate. But given that neither participated, it's expected they won't play against the Penguins tonight and it's probably not a huge leap to assume they're in jeopardy of missing Friday's game against Tampa Bay, too. "We're being cautious with him," Hunter said of Backstrom, who has not been seen on the ice since Friday's practice in San Jose. "He's still not feeling one hundred percent, so we're being careful.""
Neither Nicklas Backstrom nor Mike Green practice with Capitals Sunday
January 9
Washington Post
 
"Neither Nicklas Backstrom nor Mike Green skated Sunday as the Capitals held one more practice in San Jose before departing for Los Angeles in the afternoon. While Coach Dale Hunter didn't offer any further update on Backstrom or Green, the Capitals appear to be bracing for the very real possibility that they will not have either in the lineup against the Kings, and possibly longer. Backstrom, who was scratched against the Sharks because of the head injury he suffered when elbowed by Rene Bourque, hasn't skated in the past two days in what has been a sharp contrast to the mood of both the center and Hunter after practice Friday morning in San Jose. At that time, both were optimistic that"
Nicklas Backstrom practices, likely good to go for Saturday against Sharks
January 7
Washington Times
 
"It didn't matter that Nicklas Backstrom was all smiles and talked about feeling "pretty good" after Thursday's practice. Head injuries are mysteries and symptoms can come and go. So when Backstrom wasn't on the ice with the rest of the Washington Capitals' players Friday morning at HP Pavilion, there was at least brief concern. "Yeah, unfortunately these things happens," defenseman Roman Hamrlik said. "You don't want to see that, especially with your best player on the team." But Backstrom's appearance was only delayed 15 minutes because of a precautionary evaluation, a welcome relief along with the likelihood that he'll play Saturday night at the San Jose Sharks. "I feel pretty good,"
Nicklas Backstrom: 'I felt pretty good out there'
January 6
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom was back on the ice Thursday morning for Capitals practice and participated in every drill, zipping around the ice with no apparent hesitation less than 48 hours after he was elbowed in the jaw. The 24-year-old center will join the team this afternoon as it departs for a five-day, two-game road trip to San Jose and Los Angeles and by all indications Backstrom is doing well. "I'm doing all the steps that has to be made before I can play. I felt pretty good out there," Backstrom said. "You've got to push yourself to know exactly where you are but I had the history of migraines before too, it's kind of hard to tell. Whatever it is, it seems to be fine.""
Nicklas Backstrom: 'I felt pretty good out there'
January 5
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom was back on the ice Thursday morning for Capitals practice and participated in every drill, zipping around the ice with no apparent hesitation less than 48 hours after he was elbowed in the jaw. The 24-year-old center will join the team this afternoon as it departs for a five-day, two-game road trip to San Jose and Los Angeles and by all indications Backstrom is doing well. "I'm doing all the steps that has to be made before I can play. I felt pretty good out there," Backstrom said. "You've got to push yourself to know exactly where you are but I had the history of migraines before too, it's kind of hard to tell. Whatever it is, it seems to be fine.""
Nicklas Backstrom tested for concussion but results unclear
January 5
Washington Post
 
"In a pair of tweets this morning, the brother of Nicklas Backstrom said the Capitals' top center was tested for a concussion today after taking an elbow to the head in a 3-1 win over Calgary last night but that the results are inconclusive. "Test done and the dr couldn't tell today but a small concussion/migraine. Have to wait for tmrw and a new test," wrote Kristoffer Backstrom in the second tweet, which has since been deleted. (Very blurry screenshot can be found here.) Backstrom was elbowed in the head by Calgary's Rene Bourque midway through the second period Tuesday night. He returned to the ice for the remainder of the power play and for two more shifts, but then the Capitals took"
Backstrom spreads the wealth in Caps' win over Flames
January 4
Washington Times
 
"There's a certain instinct needed to make the perfect pass. Nicklas Backstrom has it. On Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals' star center showed he can turn that instinct on at a moment's notice, making a couple transcendent plays that had immediate impact in the 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. But Backstrom also left the game late in the third period after taking an elbow to the head from forward Rene Bourque, who just recently served a two-game suspension for a hit on Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks. Backstrom was not made available to reporters following the victory and his three-point night, as he was being evaluated by doctors. "We just removed him from the game,""
Nicklas Backstrom elbowed to the head by Calgary's Rene Bourque
January 4
Washington Post
 
"Near the midway point of the third period of Washington's 3-1 win over the Flames on Tuesday, Nicklas Backstrom skated through the neutral zone, passed the puck to a teammate and then was elbowed in the head by Calgary's Rene Bourque. If you haven't seen the elbow, be sure to check out the following TwitVids of the play and a slow-motion replay. After Bourque struck Backstrom on the left side of his jaw, Backstrom skated toward the boards and leaned over into the space between the benches, then proceeded to the Capitals' bench. He hunched over as he talked to head athletic trainer Greg Smith and a few teammates, but returned to the ice for the start of the power play that resulted from the"
Capitals shake up top line: Marcus Johansson skating with Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom
December 20
Washington Post
 
"After six games of using a top line with the big three of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin, Capitals Coach Dale Hunter reconfigured the top line for Monday's practice. Marcus Johansson skated on the left wing with Backstrom and Ovechkin, who was on the right side. It's a move that adds more speed to the top unit and could potentially open more space offensively as Washington searches for offense after a three-game stretch in which it has recorded just three goals."
Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin reunited on Capitals' top line in practice
December 7
Washington Post
 
"In an apparent effort to jumpstart Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, Coach Dale Hunter reunited the struggling wingers on a line with center Nicklas Backstrom. Hunter, however, would not say whether they'll play together when the Capitals face Ottawa at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday. Ovechkin has one goal in his past 12 games and eight total, putting him on pace for a career-low 25. Semin, who missed the past two games with a minor shoulder injury, has five goals in 23 games. Backstrom, meantime, has been the Capitals' best forward this season with nine goals and 18 assists, which is tied for sixth most in the NHL."
Take your best shot, Backstrom
November 8
Washington Times
 
"Nicklas Backstrom grew up in Sweden watching his favorite player, Peter Forsberg, dazzle the NHL with remarkable passing. That was Forsberg's calling card, even as teammates and coaches knew he had a wicked shot. Backstrom insists he doesn't try to play like Forsberg, but the 23-year-old center has many of the same characteristics - such as the innate ability to find a teammate for what should be an easy goal. Reminders are often necessary with a guy such as Backstrom, whose game can be so well-rounded."
Nicklas Backstrom scores twice late to complete rally and 5-4 overtime win
November 2
Washington Post
 
"With 62 seconds remaining in regulation on Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals pulled their goaltender for one last gasp to try to force overtime against the Anaheim Ducks and prevent a third consecutive defeat. Instead of Alex Ovechkin and the full complement of offensive firepower, though, Coach Bruce Boudreau used his third line of Brooks Laich, Jason Chimera and Joel Ward, and Nicklas Backstrom as the forwards of the six players on the ice, and it proved to be the right move for the Capitals. Backstrom scored the tying goal with 42 seconds left to force overtime then added the game-winner 2 minutes 18 seconds into extra time to clinch a 5-4 win at Verizon Center that snapped"
Capitals beat Sabres in NHL preseason on shootout goal by Nicklas Backstrom
October 1
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals' ambitions do not lie in September. But the rally they put together in Friday night's preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres could boost the confidence of a team still working out the kinks of a lineup with five new faces. Using their most complete roster of the preseason, the Capitals needed a shootout winner by Nicklas Backstrom to defeat the Sabres, 4-3, at Verizon Center. It wasn't the prettiest or most polished performance, but Washington managed to weather some of its early miscues to capture a second exhibition win. For the first time in the preseason, nearly all of the Capitals' NHL regulars were in the lineup, with the exception of veteran right wing"
Nicklas Backstrom: 'Time for us to grow up'
September 3
Washington Post
 
"After working with the same personal coach the past four years, Nicklas Backstrom decided to switch up his offseason conditioning routine with the understanding that this year there will be tougher workouts, practices and a more serious tone around the Capitals' dressing room. Back in his hometown of Gavle, Sweden, Backstrom began training both on and off the ice with former speed skater Sebastian Falk. When the 23-year-old center worked out Friday at KCI for the first time since last season, he looked crisp. "I try to get better every year when I go home but I wanted to try something new," said Backstrom, who trained with fellow Gavle natives and NHL prospects Jacob Markstrom, a"
Why Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin need more offensive-zone starts
September 1
Washington Post
 columnist Neil Greenberg
"Capitals General Manager George McPhee made some radical changes this summer to a team that was atop the Eastern Conference standings over the past two years. But despite Washington's new look and feel, the strength of the franchise still rests on the shoulders of the Young Guns: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green and Alexander Semin. Those four combined for 370 points in 2009-10 but barely broke 200 points as a group last season. One way to help them along is to give them a steady dose of offensive-zone starts this season. An offensive-zone start occurs when a player is on the ice for an offensive-zone faceoff. The best way to look at an offensive-zone start's value is to"