Just two weeks ago, Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom barely resembled the player who finished third in the NHL rookie of the year balloting last season.
The 20-year-old Swede registered four assists through the first 12 games of the season. He appeared tentative at times and was briefly moved to the team’s No. 2 line. And even when his play improved earlier this month, points remained hard to come by.
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That’s all changed in a hurry. Backstrom was named the NHL’s first star of the week on Monday after totaling two goals and nine assists in four games last week. His play was a big reason the Caps went 3-0-1 and took over first place in the Southeast Division. Why the sudden change?
“It’s hard to say. I think I have been struggling a little bit. I haven’t been good,” said Backstrom, who admitted to some apprehension about the sprained right ankle he suffered during the first week of training camp. “Now I feel like I’ve been playing better, winning more battles in the boards. I’ve been working harder.”
Caps coach Bruce Boudreau quashed rumors that Backstrom arrived at training camp out of shape, saying his young playmaker weighed about the same as he did last year, but with better distribution — in other words, stronger legs and less in the middle. One teammate said Backstrom “can skate for days” and that his conditioning has never been an issue.
Whatever the reason for the slow start, Backstrom is in fine form now. He had a goal and four assists on Saturday night at New Jersey, including a sensational last-second pass through the crease to teammate Alex Ovechkin for the game-tying goal. It was the first five-point game of Backstrom’s career. He posted a four-point night just three days earlier against Carolina and now has two goals and 14 assists. His play helped Ovechkin (five goals, five assists) earn NHL second star of the week honors.
“I think he had played decent hockey before that, too, he just didn’t get points on the board,” said Caps center Michael Nylander. “Lately, Nicklas has been playing better, of course. But those points are coming now so he’s more confident and more comfortable.