Nicklas Backstrom Makes Big Gesture Toward Alex Ovechkin During His Goal Record Chase
Photo credit: Edit from Sportsnet
Alex Ovechkin is going to be blessed with the presence of teammate Nicklas Backstrom to finish off the year, as he wants to be in attendance for the goal record.
After becoming the first team of the season to earn a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Washington Capitals had an optional practice on Friday as a treat.
This gave stalwarts a chance to rest before Saturday's afternoon fight against the Florida Panthers.
Though voluntary, several players hit the ice, including Logan Thompson, Alex Alexeyev, Ethen Frank, Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas, Andrew Mangiapane, and Taylor Raddysh. All trained with Kenny McCudden on honing their game.
After the practice session, Frank spoke about progress with his developments, stating he can't wait to play and is thankful for every moment as it occurs during his time in the NHL.
The Capitals got a surprise visit from Nicklas Backstrom
Nicklas Backstrom also visited the rink and provided his thoughts on teammate Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL all-time goals record.
In scoring goal No. 888 against the Flyers on Thursday, Ovechkin now stands six goals short of Gretzky's milestone mark of 894, and seven to surpass it.
Backstrom admitted that he would like to be on the ice with Ovechkin but is glad to see his teammate make history. Backstrom also assured that he will travel with the team as Ovechkin approaches, to be present for the historic moment.
"It's so impressive. He's always been a great goal scorer and for him to be seven goals away from becoming the greatest of all time, I'm happy for him, it's really fun to watch," Backstrom said, also joking that Ovechkin can score a hat trick whenever he wants to, which could put a kink in travel planning.
"Never underestimate Alex," he added.
"Never underestimate Alex," he added.
Will he get the itch to lace up the skates perhaps at some point? Only time will tell.
Previously on HockeyLatest
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MARS 21 | 345 ANSWERS Nicklas Backstrom Makes Big Gesture Toward Alex Ovechkin During His Goal Record Chase Will Alex Ovechkin break the NHL goal record this season? | ||
| Yes | 261 | 75.7 % |
| No | 84 | 24.3 % |
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