NHL.com Features Backstrom
Shawn P. Roarke, senior writer for NHL.com, weighs in on Nicklas Backstrom.
Now, Backstrom is ready for North America. His indoctrination started last week at the Capitals' development camp and it will continue this fall at training camp. Come Opening Day, he could be the Caps' top center, serving as the pivot for Alexander Ovechkin as Washington tries to make a jump in the standings and contend for a playoff spot.
That's a fair amount of pressure facing a first-year North American pro who won't leave his teens behind until his birthday in late November. But if anyone can handle such a lofty mandate, Backstrom has proven to be that player.
Read the whole thing here.
By
Tarik El-Bashir
|
July 23, 2007; 1:42 PM ET
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Posted by: Finn | July 23, 2007 1:53 PM | Report abuse
worse was saying he had 28 points instead of assists, he had 40 points, which looks so much better. almost ppg pace in the sel is impressive
Posted by: c'mon roarke | July 23, 2007 2:02 PM | Report abuse
and yea i agree, nylander is the top center, for now
Posted by: Anonymous | July 23, 2007 2:03 PM | Report abuse
That's pushing it a little bit. Nylander will be the first line center
And you know this how??
Posted by: Anonymous | July 23, 2007 2:08 PM | Report abuse
Mr. Blank,
I know this because Backstrom is not ready for the NHL let alone to be the first line center.
Posted by: Finn | July 23, 2007 2:16 PM | Report abuse
Totally disagree.
Posted by: Finn | July 23, 2007 2:19 PM | Report abuse
I agree that Nylander will probaly be the top center, but I also think the kid has enough talent to be the first line center. One way or another he will be setting up an Alex this season.
Posted by: Esmydee13 | July 23, 2007 2:46 PM | Report abuse
Uh oh, it looks like Sybil Finn may have returned.
Posted by: Takeahit | July 23, 2007 3:41 PM | Report abuse
Backstrom when compared to Foppa: "I don't care, I just want to be myself".
Sounds a lot like Ovechkin in his first year. Good sign, eh?
Posted by: alexovetjkin | July 23, 2007 4:31 PM | Report abuse
Backstrom isn't ready for the NHL? Are you kidding me? Sutherby, & Laich amoung others aren't ready for the NHL and they still play for the Capitals. I don't know what the big fuss is over who is going to be the "Top Center" anyway. At some point in the season Backstrom will be tried as the #1 center on the top line. Nylander was signed as a Center. What Hanlon does with him is another thing. He, like any coach is going to go with what works, and we don't know that until they play together.
My bet is Backstrom will eventually be the #1 guy.
Posted by: capfan1 | July 23, 2007 6:09 PM | Report abuse
Why not try Boyd Gordon at center. Nobody works as hard as Boyd.
Posted by: Finagen | July 23, 2007 11:53 PM | Report abuse
Bäckstroem is ready for NHL. He is low key guy. He is by far the best"export" since Foppa. He will gradually grow in to his NHL position. U will se him deliver massive amounts of assists the first year.
Posted by: Brynäs Fan | July 24, 2007 7:29 AM | Report abuse
Bäckstroem is ready for NHL. He is low key guy. He is by far the best"export" since Foppa. He will gradually grow in to his NHL position. U will se him deliver massive amounts of assists the first year.
Posted by: Brynäs Fan | July 24, 2007 7:29 AM | Report abuse
Bäckstroem is ready for NHL. He is low key guy. He is by far the best"export" since Foppa. He will gradually grow in to his NHL position. U will se him deliver massive amounts of assists the first year.
Posted by: Brynäs Fan | July 24, 2007 7:29 AM | Report abuse
Bäckstroem is ready for NHL. He is low key guy. He is by far the best"export" since Foppa. He will gradually grow in to his NHL position. U will se him deliver massive amounts of assists the first year.
Posted by: Brynäs Fan | July 24, 2007 7:29 AM | Report abuse
I get it, I get it. He's going to be great, sheesh!
Posted by: sushi | July 24, 2007 10:53 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
"Come Opening Day, he could be the Caps' top center, serving as the pivot for Alexander Ovechkin..."
That's pushing it a little bit. Nylander will be the first line center.