Washington Capitals: Nicklas Backstrom will be a major strength against Sabres

Nicklas Backstrom will achieve a big milestone when he takes the ice for the Washington Capitals tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. Backstrom is expected to suit up in his 984th career game, passing Calle Johansson for the second most games played in franchise history. He leads the Caps in goals and points against the Sabres with four goals and three assists.

In 47 career games against theSabres, Backstrom has 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points. Excluding the Vegas Golden Knights, the Caps will become one of three franchises to have each of their top two leaders in games played on their active roster, joining Alex Ovechkin. The other teams are the Pittsburgh Penguins with Sideny Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and Brian Little and Blake Wheeler of the Winnipeg Jets.

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Backstrom had just joined the 700 assist club and is the franchise’s all time leader in assists with 704 and ranks second in points with 957. Backstrom reached the 700 assist mark on March 5th against the Boston Bruins assisting on a goal from Jakub Vrana.

Backstrom leads the Caps with 30 points with 10 goals and 20 assists, which ranks 12th in the NHL He has 158 career multi assist games, which is the second most in the NHL since Backstrom entered the league (Sidney Crosby: 168). He became the second fastest active player (Crosby: 856 games) and the 23rd fastest player in NHL history to reach the 700 assist mark, doing so in his 979th career game.

Backstrom became the 25th player in NHL history to reach the milestone before his 1,000th NHL game. Of the 24 players to accomplish this feat, 23 are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Backstrom skated on the top line during Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, centering Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie. With Lars Eller out due to a lower body injury (still day to day) the Caps will go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen in their game tonight against the Sabres. Vitek Vanecek will get the start in goal.

Backstrom was asked in his media availability after morning skate about if the team has been playing their best hockey of late.

“Yeah I think so. Everytime guys are out, new guys are stepping in and filling their roles,” Backstrom said.

Puck drop for tonight’s game is at 7 p.m. and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Washington+. The next night they’ll return home to host the New York Islanders and they’ll play the Rangers this weekend.