Capitals Insider: Nicklas Backstrom


Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 05/14/2013

First line vanishes as Capitals eliminated by Rangers
By Katie Carrera
Washington's top line was the key driver in the team's ability to clinch a postseason berth, but once they were in the playoffs the unit disappeared combining for only three goals and none after Game 3.

By Katie Carrera  |  10:55 AM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Rangers, Caps-Rangers Game 7, Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Karl Alzner, Nicklas Backstrom, Playoffs

Posted at 01:25 AM ET, 05/14/2013

Capitals players left stunned following Game 7 defeat
By Katie Carrera
Another year, another frustrating early postseason exit for the Capitals.

By Katie Carrera  |  01:25 AM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Caps-Rangers, Caps-Rangers Game 7, Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Matt Hendricks, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, Playoffs

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 05/10/2013

Alex Ovechkin happy to be Hart Trophy finalist but focused on playoffs
By Katie Carrera
Alex Ovechkin is glad to receive recognition for his successful regular season by being named a finalist for the Hart Trophy but remains focused on the the Capitals' task at hand against the Rangers.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:13 PM ET, 05/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Rangers Game 5, Hart Trophy, Nicklas Backstrom, Playoffs

Posted at 12:50 AM ET, 05/07/2013

Capitals' power play falls flat late in Game 3
By Katie Carrera
Capitals' inability to convert on late power play in Game 3 costly as Rangers capture 4-3 win.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:50 AM ET, 05/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Rangers Game 3, Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, Playoffs

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 05/04/2013

Capitals stress patience when facing Rangers' penalty kill
By Katie Carrera
The Rangers' aggressive penalty kill can force even the NHL's most effective power play in the regular season to tweak its strategy slightly.

By Katie Carrera  |  09:17 AM ET, 05/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Caps-Rangers, Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Mike Green, Mike Ribeiro, Nicklas Backstrom, Playoffs, Power play, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 03:06 PM ET, 05/03/2013

Capitals content to stay the course against Rangers
By Katie Carrera
Last year it wasn't until the postseason that the Capitals truly clicked under Dale Hunter. This year, Washington doesn't need to find another gear for the playoffs but rather to keep rolling along the way it did to clinch the Southeast Division title.

By Katie Carrera  |  03:06 PM ET, 05/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, Adam Oates, Caps-Rangers, Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, Playoffs

Posted at 12:55 PM ET, 04/25/2013

Erik Karlsson will return to Senators' lineup against Capitals
By Katie Carrera
Erik Karlsson is recovered from a lacerated Achilles’ tendon and will return to Ottawa's lineup tonight.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:55 PM ET, 04/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Caps-Sens, Erik Karlsson, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 12:35 AM ET, 04/24/2013

Capitals reward Adam Oates's confidence, clinch Southeast Division
By Katie Carrera
Coach Adam Oates has remained consistently confident in the Capitals' ability to succeed no matter what stage of the season they were in. Tuesday night, they rewarded his faith and clinched the Southeast Division title.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:35 AM ET, 04/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Jets, Matt Hendricks, Nicklas Backstrom, playoff race, Southeast division

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 04/23/2013

Capitals ready for emotionally charged, critical game against Jets
By Katie Carrera
The Capitals are well aware of the stakes, that they can secure a postseason berth with a regulation or overtime win against Winnipeg tonight and they're raring to go.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:12 PM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Jets, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, playoff race, Southeast division

Posted at 01:20 PM ET, 04/19/2013

Nicklas Backstrom taking part in Caps practice in Montreal (updated)
By Katie Carrera
A day after he took a slap shot to his left arm, Nicklas Backstrom is participating in practice in Montreal.

By Katie Carrera  |  01:20 PM ET, 04/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Injuries, Line combinations, Nicklas Backstrom, Practice update

Posted at 12:00 AM ET, 04/19/2013

Nicklas Backstrom injured in loss to Senators
By Katie Carrera
More damaging than the end of the Capitals' winning streak could be the loss of Nicklas Backstrom, who took a puck off his left arm Thursday night in Ottawa.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:00 AM ET, 04/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Sens, Injuries, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:20 AM ET, 04/17/2013

Caps believe Jay McClement should have been penalized for hit on Nicklas Backstrom
By Katie Carrera
The Capitals thought there should have been a penalty on Jay McClement's hit that sent Nicklas Backstrom into the boards in the first period Tuesday night.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:20 AM ET, 04/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Braden Holtby, Caps-Leafs, Jay McClement, Nicklas Backstrom, Steve Oleksy, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 04/17/2013

Alex Ovechkin's defense of Nicklas Backstrom 'shows team toughness'
By Katie Carrera
More on how Alex Ovechkin's quick defense of Nicklas Backstrom sparked the Capitals and sent a statement of team toughness and unity.

By Katie Carrera  |  10:23 AM ET, 04/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Leafs, Nicklas Backstrom, Steve Oleksy, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 12:45 AM ET, 04/08/2013

Alex Ovechkin scores empty-net goal
By Katie Carrera
After missing several opportunities this season, Alex Ovechkin finally records an empty net goal. But it turns out he didn't even need to put the puck in the net.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:45 AM ET, 04/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Lightning, NHL rulebook, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 02:22 PM ET, 04/06/2013

Capitals can't let Brooks Laich's absence slow them down
By Katie Carrera
It's unclear how much time forward will miss with his latest lower-body injury but team knows it can’t dwell on his absence.

By Katie Carrera  |  02:22 PM ET, 04/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Brooks Laich, Caps-Panthers, Injuries, Marcus Johansson, Mike Ribeiro, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 12:25 AM ET, 04/03/2013

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green put on a show as Capitals trounce Carolina
By Katie Carrera
The Capitals' biggest stars lead the comeback against the Hurricanes en route to a 5-3 win Tuesday night.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:25 AM ET, 04/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Canes, Matt Hendricks, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 04/01/2013

Capitals squander opportunity against Flyers, know more desperate games lie ahead
By Katie Carrera
The Capitals 5-4 overtime loss Sunday night not only cost them an extra point but also the ability to put some distance on them and the Flyers on the playoff bubble.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:30 PM ET, 04/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Braden Holtby, Caps-Flyers, Eastern Conference standings, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 01:08 AM ET, 03/22/2013

Alex Ovechkin leads the way in Capitals' 4-0 win against Winnipeg
By Katie Carrera
From start to finish, Alex Ovechkin was involved in the Capitals' 4-0 win over the Jets contributing everything from three points to a strong back check to several big hits.

By Katie Carrera  |  01:08 AM ET, 03/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Jets, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 10:10 AM ET, 03/21/2013

Capitals reinforce power-play details before taking on Jets
By Katie Carrera
The power play has been a source of strength for the Capitals this year, but the unit hasn't been quite as consistent over the past 10 games. So Coach Adam Oates put the Capitals through power play drills to reinforce the group's reads.

By Katie Carrera  |  10:10 AM ET, 03/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom, Power play, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 10:42 AM ET, 03/13/2013

Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom: Caps' dynamic duo should reunite
By Neil Greenberg
There is no one who helps Alex Ovechkin "play the right way," as Coach Adam Oates so often preaches, more than Nicklas Backstrom.

By Neil Greenberg  |  10:42 AM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Statistical analysis

Posted at 03:13 AM ET, 02/28/2013

Sluggish start sets tone for Capitals against Flyers
By Katie Carrera
It took all of 4 minutes 4 seconds for the Capitals to fall behind Philadelphia Wednesday night and they never responded.

By Katie Carrera  |  03:13 AM ET, 02/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Flyers, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 02/27/2013

One-timers: Capitals keeping defensemen involved offensively
By Katie Carrera
Coach Adam Oates has encouraged the blue liners to jump up in the play since training camp and it looks like they're all growing more comfortable with the directive.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:50 AM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Braden Holtby, Caps-Canes, John Carlson, John Erskine, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, One timers

Posted at 11:23 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Nicklas Backstrom hopeful to play against Carolina, Mike Green set to return
By Katie Carrera
News and notes from the Capitals morning skate.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:23 AM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Caps-Canes, Casey Wellman, Jason Chimera, Line combinations, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 02/25/2013

Status updates on Backstrom, Green, Laich and Chimera (updated)
By Katie Carrera
The Caps are on the ice for practice Monday morning but Nicklas Backstrom is missing from the workout.

By Katie Carrera  |  10:47 AM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Line combinations, Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom, Practice update

Posted at 04:42 PM ET, 02/14/2013

Alex Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos on why NHL players should participate in the Olympics
By Katie Carrera
Comments from Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman and Tampa Bay center Steven Stamkos on why NHLers should take part in the Olympics.

By Katie Carrera  |  04:42 PM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom Steve Yzerman, Olympics, Sochi 2014, Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Posted at 02:04 PM ET, 02/14/2013

Caps discuss Kevlar socks in wake of injury to Senators' Erik Karlsson
By Katie Carrera
Ottawa's Erik Karlsson suffered a cut Achilles tendon Wednesday night, an injury that could prompt more players to use socks reinforced with Kevlar.

By Katie Carrera  |  02:04 PM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Eric Fehr, Erik Karlsson, Injuries, Matt Hendricks, Nicklas Backstrom, Ottawa Senators

Posted at 01:36 AM ET, 02/13/2013

More on the Capitals' comeback against Florida
By Katie Carrera
Check out some additional quotes and accounts of the goals that made up the Capitals' third-period rally against the Panthers Tuesday night.

By Katie Carrera  |  01:36 AM ET, 02/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Panthers, Eric Fehr, Mike Ribeiro, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 02/07/2013

Capitals searching for more offensive production
By Katie Carrera
Entering tonight's game against Pittsburgh the Capitals are the only team in the NHL that hasn't scored four goals in any one game.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:13 AM ET, 02/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Caps-Pens, Jason Chimera, Joel Ward, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 02/02/2013

One-timers: Adam Oates says Alex Ovechkin played 'best game' vs. Flyers
By Katie Carrera
Notes and analysis from the Capitals win over the Flyers.

By Katie Carrera  |  03:03 PM ET, 02/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Flyers, John Carlson, Matt Hendricks, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, One timers, Wojtek Wolski

Posted at 12:41 AM ET, 01/25/2013

Capitals 'outworked' in 4-1 loss to Montreal
By Katie Carrera
As the Capitals look for answers following another disastrous defeat, they point to one common trait: work ethic.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:41 AM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Caps-Habs, Joey Crabb, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 12:31 PM ET, 01/23/2013

One timers: Caps fall 4-2 to Winnipeg
By Katie Carrera
Notes and analysis from the Capitals’ 4-2 loss to Winnipeg.

By Katie Carrera  |  12:31 PM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Jets, John Carlson, Marcus Johansson, Matt Hendricks, Nicklas Backstrom, One timers

Posted at 01:46 PM ET, 01/19/2013

Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Laich, Mike Green named Capitals' alternate captains
By Katie Carrera
Coach Adam Oates announces the alternates to Alex Ovechkin; it's the first time Green will wear the 'A.'

By Katie Carrera  |  01:46 PM ET, 01/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich, Captains, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 01/11/2013

Nicklas Backstrom: 'No concussion'
By Katie Carrera
I'm 100 percent" -- Backstrom said.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:58 AM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Head injuries, Nicklas Backstrom, Training Camp

Posted at 10:08 AM ET, 01/11/2013

Nicklas Backstrom skating with Caps
By Katie Carrera
Nicklas Backstrom is skating with teammates just two days after visiting a specialist in Michigan, likely a positive sign.

By Katie Carrera  |  10:08 AM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom, Training Ca

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Troy Brouwer: 'This team revolves around Nicky Backstrom'
By Katie Carrera
Teammates hope the No. 1 center's injury isn't too serious, because they need him to be at their best.

By Katie Carrera  |  01:44 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Head injuries, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:07 AM ET, 01/09/2013

Nicklas Backstrom visiting specialist in Michigan
By Katie Carrera
Nicklas Backstrom is visiting a specialist in Michigan, the Capitals confirm.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:07 AM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 01/09/2013

Alzner, Brouwer, Johansson among new arrivals on the ice
By Katie Carrera
A total of 15 players are taking part in the informal skate Wednesday morning.

By Katie Carrera  |  10:17 AM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Jeff Schultz, Karl Alzner, Marcus Johansson, Mathieu Perreault, Nicklas Backstrom, Training Camp, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 03:02 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Nicklas Backstrom's status uncertain for training camp
By Katie Carrera
Capitals General Manager George McPhee said he can't offer an update on the Swedish center's health until the new CBA is ratified.

By Katie Carrera  |  03:02 PM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, George McPhee, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 08:15 PM ET, 01/06/2013

Alex Ovechkin to return to Washington early this week
By Katie Carrera
Despite suggesting that he might stay in Russia after the lockout ended, Alex Ovechkin will return to Washington early this week.

By Katie Carrera  |  08:15 PM ET, 01/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, NHL lockout, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 01/02/2013

NHLPA reviewing league's latest offer, facing disclaimer deadline
By Katie Carrera
The back-and-forth between the two sides continues as the union's self-imposed deadline to file a disclaimer of interest approaches.

By Katie Carrera  |  11:32 AM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  NHL lockout, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 11/20/2012

Backstrom, Ovechkin combine for four points in Dynamo Moscow win
By Katie Carrera
Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom records two goals, including the game-winner, to lead Dynamo Moscow to victory on Tuesday.

By Katie Carrera  |  03:50 PM ET, 11/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Dynamo Moscow, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 04:15 PM ET, 11/14/2012

Nicklas Backstrom scores hat trick in Dynamo Moscow victory
By Katie Carrera
Check out the highlights from Dynamo Moscow's 4-3 overtime win Wednesday.

By Katie Carrera  |  04:15 PM ET, 11/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Dynamo Moscow, NHL lockout, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 09:03 AM ET, 10/23/2012

Nicklas Backstrom makes KHL debut in Dynamo Moscow win
By Katie Carrera
Check out video highlights of Nicklas Backstrom's KHL debut. He and Alex Ovechkin combined for three points in Dynamo Moscow's 3-0 win over Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Monday.

By Katie Carrera  |  09:03 AM ET, 10/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Dynamo Moscow, KHL, NHL lockout, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 01:09 PM ET, 10/18/2012

Nicklas Backstrom signs with KHL’s Dynamo Moscow (Updated)
By Katie Carrera
Nicklas Backstrom will play with fellow Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin this season after all — but in Russia. On a day when the players reject the NHL’s labor proposal, the Swede Backstrom was heading to Moscow. 

By Katie Carrera  |  01:09 PM ET, 10/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Dynamo Moscow, NHL, NHL lockout, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 04/14/2010

Nicklas Backstrom: 'I felt okay'
By Tarik El-Bashir
Star center Nicklas Backstrom was one of the first players off the ice this morning, but assured reporters that he will be able to suit for tomorrow's playoff opener against Montreal. Backstrom confirmed that an illness, not an injury, caused him to miss yesterday's practice. "I'm feeling better," Backstrom said....

By Tarik El-Bashir  |  11:28 AM ET, 04/14/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Montreal, National Hockey League, Nicklas Backstrom, Nicklas Bäckström, Washington Capitals

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 04/14/2010

Nicklas Backstrom practicing
By Gene Wang
Center Nicklas Backstrom is back on the ice practicing this morning at KCI, one day after sitting out because of what the team said was an illness. I'll have an update on the first-line center's status later today, along with video, so check back soon. UPDATE: Here's a quick look...

By Gene Wang  |  10:15 AM ET, 04/14/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  National Hockey League, Nicklas Backstrom, Nicklas Bäckström, Washington Capitals

Posted at 10:42 AM ET, 04/13/2010

Backstrom is missing from practice
By Tarik El-Bashir
First line center Nicklas Backstrom is not practicing this morning at KCI, 24 hours after getting a day off. The team has not provided an update on his status, but he's been replaced by Brendan Morrison while Tomas Fleischmann has shifted to center on the second line. As of right...

By Tarik El-Bashir  |  10:42 AM ET, 04/13/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alexander Ovechkin, Brendan Morrison, Games, Nicklas Backstrom, Nicklas Bäckström, Tomas Fleischmann, Tomáš Fleischmann, Washington Capitals

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 04/11/2010

In-game chat: Caps vs. Bruins
By Gene Wang
Washington Post reporter Gene Wang will be your master of ceremonies for the final in-game chat of the regular season beginning at noon, when the Capitals play the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center. Join the discussion below: Caps vs. Bruins...

By Gene Wang  |  09:47 AM ET, 04/11/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Boston Bruins, Capitals chat, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 02/26/2010

Boudreau puts Caps through grueling practice
By Mark Giannotto
Capitals forward Mike Knuble had trouble remembering a practice this year that featured as much skating as Bruce Boudreau put his players through this morning at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Boudreau had steadily been ramping up the conditioning since the Capitals' non-Olympic players returned to the ice Wednesday after a 10-day...

By Mark Giannotto  |  02:13 PM ET, 02/26/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Bruce Boudreau, Mike Knuble, Nicklas Backstrom, Semyon Varlamov, Tomas Fleischmann

Posted at 05:43 AM ET, 02/25/2010

Olympic roundup: U.S. advances; Russia falls
By Lindsay Applebaum
(Julie Jacobson/AP) Some morning links: *Alex Ovechkin: "The will be a lot of dirt poured on us from the media and from people who don't know anything about hockey. But to the people who support and love us, I would like to say that we tried our best." (Heavy...

By Lindsay Applebaum  |  05:43 AM ET, 02/25/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Olympics, Semyon Varlamov, Tomas Fleischmann

Posted at 10:25 PM ET, 02/17/2010

Defending champ Sweden blanks Germany
By Lindsay Applebaum
Germany's Dennis Seidenberg is caught between Sweden's Nicklas Backstrom and Loui Eriksson during the second period. (Julie Jacobson/AP) From the AP: Mattias Ohlund and Loui Eriksson scored in the second period Wednesday night, helping defending Olympic champion Sweden shake off a slow start to beat Germany 2-0. The Swedes...

By Lindsay Applebaum  |  10:25 PM ET, 02/17/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom, Olympics

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 02/08/2010

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom named NHL's first, third stars of the week
By Lindsay Applebaum
"Mike Milbury who?" (AP/The Washington Post) Today the NHL announced that Alex Ovechkin is its first star of the week and Nicklas Backstrom is the third. It's probably the Caps' least significant accomplishment all week, so... it's been a pretty good week. From a team release: Alex Ovechkin has...

By Lindsay Applebaum  |  03:03 PM ET, 02/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 02/07/2010

Theodore to start; Backstrom set to return
By Tarik El-Bashir
Count Coach Bruce Boudreau among the thousands of local residents forced to stay in a hotel after losing power at his home during the snowstorm. But that still doesn't compare to what the Pens went through over the past 18 hours. After losing in Montreal on Saturday afternoon, they flew...

By Tarik El-Bashir  |  10:50 AM ET, 02/07/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Bruce Boudreau, Capitals, Nicklas Backstrom, Penguins

Posted at 09:35 PM ET, 02/05/2010

Caps push win streak to 13
By Gene Wang
Alex Ovechkin scored a goal in his fourth straight game. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post) The Capitals extended their franchise-record winning streak to 13 games tonight with a 5-2 victory over Atlanta at Verizon Center. Nicklas Backstrom scored the go-ahead goal at 15 minutes 29 seconds of the second period,...

By Gene Wang  |  09:35 PM ET, 02/05/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Atlanta Thrashers, Jason Chimera, Michal Neuvirth, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 10:53 PM ET, 02/04/2010

Caps beat Rangers, 6-5, for 12th straight win
By Lindsay Applebaum
(Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) A full postgame wrap-up is on the way, but here's a quick look at the numbers (seriously, how could you not?) following tonight's 6-5 win at Madison Square Garden. 500 career regular-season points for Alex Ovechkin. (Dan Steinberg has all the details on Ovechkin's one-handed goal.)...

By Lindsay Applebaum  |  10:53 PM ET, 02/04/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Alex Ovechkin, Mike Knuble, New York Rangers, Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 12:01 AM ET, 01/08/2010

Caps 5, Senators 2
By Tarik El-Bashir
There was a time in Nicklas Backstrom's career when the center enjoyed setting up goals more than actually scoring them. That, however, is no longer the case. "I can't say I don't like it," Backstrom cracked after notching his 16th and 17th goals in the third period tonight to...

By Tarik El-Bashir  |  12:01 AM ET, 01/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom, Ottawa Senators

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 01/04/2010

Nicklas Backstrom: Playing with a migraine is 'twice as hard'
By Lindsay Applebaum
Here's a look at today's Caps notebook from Gene Wang, who spoke with Nicklas Backstrom about his occasionally-debilitating migraine headaches. And if you haven't had a migraine before (lucky you), Backstrom sums it up pretty well: "First of all you can't see; like you see blurry," Backstrom said. "Then your...

By Lindsay Applebaum  |  04:11 PM ET, 01/04/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom

Posted at 11:04 AM ET, 01/04/2010

Backstrom skates, Varlamov suffers minor setback
By Gene Wang
The Capitals were back at Kettler for their morning practice after a lengthy West Coast trip in which they lost to San Jose and Los Angeles. The good news for the team was first-line center Nicklas Backstrom participated fully during the first portion of practice. Backstrom missed the final 39...

By Gene Wang  |  11:04 AM ET, 01/04/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom, Semyon Varlamov

Posted at 07:04 PM ET, 01/02/2010

Boudreau: Backstrom suffering from migraine
By Tarik El-Bashir
First line center Nicklas Backstrom missed the final 39 minutes of today's 2-1 loss in Los Angeles with a migraine headache, according to Coach Bruce Boudreau. I did not see Backstrom after the game. A team spokesman said he had gone to the team bus before the visitors' dressing room...

By Tarik El-Bashir  |  07:04 PM ET, 01/02/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Nicklas Backstrom