How Swede It Is: Nicklas Backstrom's Back to His Old Form for the Capitals

Washington Capitals winger Nicklas Backstrom’s sophomore slump is officially over, and in the "nick" of time. Bad joke aside, the team is gearing up for a brutal four-game road trip that begins tomorrow night versus the team formerly known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.  Alright alright, I’ll stop the cheesy intro, and provide you, loyal readers of B/R, with the inside scoop of how, sometimes, all it takes is one player to start a team’s motor. Backstrom has awakened from his early season slumber and registered 10 points in his last three games. Scoring two goals and amassing eight assists, the Capitals last week went 2-0-1, welcoming the productivity they remember from last year’s Nicklas Backstrom. They endured a tough loss on Saturday night in New Jersey, a 6-5 shootout, because of several defensive lapses in the Devils’ zone. Backstrom certainly did all he could to keep his team rolling on, finishing his night by  matching his career-high ... (link)