Stars and Sticks
Fansided

Washington Capitals Stars Of The Week: 12/8 – 12/15

By CJ Witt

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 14: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrates during the NHL Hockey match between the Lightning and Capitals on December 14, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 14: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrates during the NHL Hockey match between the Lightning and Capitals on December 14, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 14: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) face off during the NHL Hockey match between the Lightning and Capitals on December 14, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 14: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) face off during the NHL Hockey match between the Lightning and Capitals on December 14, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Surprise, surprise! It’s another stars of the week, but this time around we actually have a loss in the books.

It’s been a rare occurrence but it happened this past week via the Columbus Blue Jackets. That loss coming on Monday in a 5-2 fashion.

The Capitals rebounded later in the week. They took down Boston, what’s new? Then they went down to Florida to beat the Lightning. The loss to Columbus wasn’t great, but to rebound and beat two eastern conference contenders, or at least what we assume are contenders in the Lightning’s case, those are two terrific wins.

Enough about the unimportant stuff. The games are one thing, but what everyone cares about is our stars of the week. It’s what you wait all week for and I don’t blame you one bit. Enough time has been wasted, let’s get to it.

TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 14: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2019 in Tampa, FL (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 14: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2019 in Tampa, FL (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Nicklas Backstrom

It was a heck of a return week for Backstrom. After missing eight games with an undisclosed injury Backstrom came back with a bang. In the three games this week he had five points, two of those being goals.

Three of his five points were at 5v5 which will be welcomed news for Capitals fans. Before the injury Backstrom had just six points at 5v5 in the 18 games he played. This past week he put up 1/3 of his 5v5 points.

His advanced stats looked good as well. His Corsi For% was a solid 53.66%, that was 10th on the team. His team had 24 scoring chances with him on the ice and 19 against for a 55.81%. Washington also had seven high danger attempts and four against with number 19 on the ice.

I thought he was noticeable, his advanced stats were good and he put up points. If you’re looking for stars of the week, he checks all the boxes. Welcome back Nicklas Backstrom!

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