CAPITALS NEED BACKSTROM BACK
It’s time for Nicklas Backstrom to put down the broom, grab his stick and help the Washington Capitals.
The slick Swede has missed the past four games with a hand injury that didn’t prevent him from signing a broom handed to him by Capitals fans anticipating a sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning prior to Game 3. Backstrom probably didn’t think anything of it. He had just finished a practice and was being an accommodating star who had been asked for an autograph.
But those who believe in karma are thinking he might have signed off on the Capitals’ fate, especially after they lost Game 3 by a 4-2 score on Tuesday.
The Capitals now lead the series 2-1 and another setback on Thursday at Capital One Arena would completely erase home-ice advantage that was wrestled from Tampa Bay in the first two games.
It’s understandable if people are starting to get nervous, given the playoff history of the Capitals and the fact the Lightning has never lost in six playoff games at Washington.
Backstrom’s injury had to be serious enough to keep him out of four games thus far, but he is now holding his stick and participating in hockey drills.
Lars Eller has done a good job filling in at centre on the second line, but Backstrom is one of the most underrated players in the NHL.
Indications are he’ll return for Game 4.
“You miss him in every way, shape or form,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said in a Washington Post story by Isabelle Khurshudyan on Wednesday. “He’s a player who has a lot of impact on our team. He’s one of the guys that leads in the locker room. When you need a big play, a big performance, he’s usually one of the guys that will step up.”
It’s time for Backstrom to step up.