So astute Nicklas Backstrom is back.
On Sunday, during the 4-3 defeat of the Capitals to Buffalo Sabers, Backstrom scored the biggest goal of the game for the home team. And it was not an ordinary count.
As a wizard, Backstrom scored for BEHIND THE NET.
I’m serious.
Video
Backstrom scored after Jakub Vrana launched an unstable central pass towards the slot. The jumping disc prevented a Capitals player from breaking the net and a defender from Sabers. Then Sabers goalkeeper Linus Ullmark tried to check. Ullmark was unable to cope and Backstrom ended up with the cookie loose behind the goal line. Backstrom decided to shoot Ullmark out of the crease and hit Ullmark’s elbow disc somehow on the net.
NO ANGLE, NO PROBLEM pic.twitter.com/RdogcXjzYH
– Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 24, 2021
See how happy the boys were after the goal.
Backstrom, who also assisted in the game, scored seven points in the first six games for the Capitals, including four goals scored by the team.
The Capitals would end up losing the game in a penalty shootout, but the Backstrom count gave the Capitals a point in the standings in all the games they played this season. Washington now has a six-game streak (3-0-3) and is undefeated in regulation.
Sunday also marked Backstrom’s 962th game as Capital. Backstrom overtook legend Peter Bondra on the all-time list in the franchise, receiving congratulations from the top scorer of 500 goals.
Congratulations, Nick! I wish you to continue with success and more in a @Capitals shirt! #EVERYTHING IN CAPITALS https://t.co/A7nMArowyj
– Peter Bondra (@ PeterBondra12) January 24, 2021
RMNB coverage of Caps vs Sabers
Screenshots courtesy of NBC Sports Washington