Nicklas Backstrom, perhaps the most valuable player on the Washington Capitals, told reporters on Friday that he did not suffer a concussion and expects to be ready for opening night.
Backstrom said (via NHL.com), "I'm 100 percent" after skating with the team.
That's great news for the Caps, who rely on their star center to make plays with both his skating and passing skills. Backstrom appeared in just 42 games last season, and it's no coincidence that Washington's offense was lackluster.
A healthy Backstrom should bring excitement to a team that seems to be getting back to its offensive roots under new head coach Adam Oates. Last season, the Capitals struggled to score at times as then head coach Dale Hunter implemented a more defensive approach to the game.
In his five seasons with the Caps, the Swedish center has shown that he is one of the top centers in the NHL.
Playing alongside superstar Alex Ovechkin, the pair has brought a flashy style of play to our nation's capital. Since Backstrom came to Washington in 2007, the team has made the playoffs ever year.
To date, Backstorm's best statistical year cam ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Barry Leonard
Washington Capitals: A Healthy Nicklas Backstrom Gives Caps a Spark for 2013
January 12th, 2013 by Barry Leonard Leave a reply »
Advertisement