Nicklas Backstrom is more than just a player; he’s been a key part of Alex Ovechkin’s success in the NHL. Between the 2007-08 and 2021-22 seasons, Backstrom racked up a remarkable 722 assists—more than any player in the league. During this time, he helped bring out the best in Ovechkin, known for his goal-scoring prowess.
Backstrom reflects on their partnership with gratitude. He recalls, “I’ve been very fortunate to play for the same team for many years and with him. I should probably thank Bruce Boudreau for putting us together.” Their chemistry on the ice has been undeniable. Backstrom, a skilled playmaker, complemented Ovechkin’s finishing skills beautifully. He humorously admitted that he often had to explain to Ovechkin that he wasn’t always open for a pass, but that never stopped Ovechkin from wanting the puck.
As Ovechkin inches closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, Backstrom has been supportive. “Maybe four years ago, I started to think Ovi could really do it,” Backstrom shared. He’s confident in Ovechkin’s abilities, noting, “If there’s any guy that could do it, it’s him.” Currently, Ovechkin is just seven goals away from reaching this historic milestone.
The Washington Capitals have 12 games left this season. Fans are eagerly watching as Ovechkin is on fire, scoring 35 goals in his first 54 games this season. His impressive 0.65 goals-per-game rate suggests he could achieve his 895th goal in the team’s final home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 13. With a career average of 0.60 goals per game, Ovechkin is on track to break the record as early as April 15 against the New York Islanders.
While Backstrom hasn’t locked in plans for when he’ll start traveling with the team for this historic moment, he’s excited. “We’ll talk about that later,” he said, noting Ovechkin’s ability to score multiple goals in a single game. For now, he enjoys watching the milestones unfold with his 7-year-old son, Vince, who shares his excitement in a big way. “He’s doing the fist bumps and cheering. I’m just in the background,” Backstrom said, adding that he’s definitely cheering inside.
The anticipation surrounding Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record has captured fans’ hearts and sparked conversations across social media. As people share their predictions and celebrate the moments leading up to this achievement, it’s clear that Ovechkin’s quest is more than just a personal goal; it’s a historic journey for the sport itself. In addition to engaging fans, discussions about Ovechkin’s legacy highlight the growing trend of honoring athletes who break records and change the game. According to a recent survey, over 60% of NHL fans believe Ovechkin will surpass Gretzky, showcasing the impact of this pursuit on the hockey community.
The excitement continues to build, and all eyes will be on Ovechkin and Backstrom as this incredible journey unfolds.