Backstrom On Mark

Disclaimer: I didn't attend yesterday's O's-Nats game at RFK. But I'm told Nicklas Backstrom, attending his first baseball game, tossed a strike when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Could it be a sign of things to come in Washington for the 19-year-old center? We'll see.

Later today, Backstrom, the Caps' 2006 fourth overall draft pick, will be introduced to reporters at a news conference. I'll be there and will post details afterward.

On another subject, how about them Red Wings? Talk about back-to-back choke jobs. That series should have ended yesterday. Instead, the Ducks are now going home with the opportunity to close it out and set up an Anaheim-Ottawa finals.

Which is exactly what the NHL doesn't need.