Loading...
Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals has announced his retirement due to hip issues, leaving an emotional impact on his teammates. Backstrom was described as a mentor and role model by several players, including Hendrix Lapierre, Pierre Engvall, and Rasmus Sandin. The Capitals now face the challenge of moving forward without their longtime teammate. The team will play against the New York Islanders tonight.
90s Night here in DC for #Isles vs. #ALLCAPS @thehockeynews https://t.co/hB0BoIneHI
The Capitals enter a strange post-Backstrom reality as they host the Islanders, and they'll look to their leaders, youth and every guy in the room to step up. Here's everything to know, including the new lines, players to watch, keys to success & more: https://t.co/fG05JFWd6c
At the rink. #Isles (4-2-2) face #ALLCAPS (4-3-1) tonight at 7 PM. Both teams holding morning skates, with NYI going on in about an hour. @StanFischler has his thoughts on the matchup ‡οΈ: https://t.co/EZztgYcxMW https://t.co/EZztgYcxMW
Morning from DC, heading to arena for #Isles morning skate momentarily. Isles face Capitals tonight at 7 -Caps have won three straight -Caps scored 7 goals in their first 4 games; 12 goals last 3 games -Ovechkin has 2 goals, 6 assists in 6-game point streak -No Backstrom
Swede Hardy HΓ€man Aktell also told me today that Nicklas Backstrom served as a role model and mentor to him during their short time together this fall. Backstrom gave him his phone number and told him to call if he ever needed anything. "He took me under his wing, too." #ALLCAPS
"It's going to take everyone leadership-wise to try to make up not having 19 in there." Today's Capitals don't really know a world without Nicklas Backstrom. Now, they face that strange reality, and it's up to the leaders and youth to fill those skates: https://t.co/1EPFLINWwd
βYou can tell by the feeling, itβs a little odd. Even as time goes on, itβs still going to be odd. Itβs going to be odd tomorrow coming here. Itβs certainly not an easy thing for any of usβor him.β βJohn Carlson on longtime teammate Nicklas Backstrom #Caps https://t.co/Uc8aesnVuw
#Caps Back in Action vs. Isles β After a day off and a day of difficult news, Caps host Isles on Thursday: https://t.co/ykHqvCilHb
Rasmus Sandin remembers the day he met his hero: it was over breakfast, where Nicklas Backstrom waited for him and took him under his wing when he got to D.C. Sandin talks Nicke's impact in an emotional 1-on-1 as he and other Swedes reflect on No. 19: https://t.co/23U2jgzUxP
"It hit me for sure. It's a guy I've looked up to every day and made me feel comfortable from day one." Rasmus Sandin was emotional discussing what Nicklas Backstrom means to him while he and more Swedes reflect on "Nicke's" legacy. #ALLCAPS https://t.co/23U2jgzUxP
"[Playing with Nick's] what got me through the pain of feeling like you were getting shipped off... My career kind of got resurrected because he was my centerman." It is an emotional day for the Capitals with Backstrom stepping away. Video & more from DC: https://t.co/cLBtGVBkx4
Swede Pierre Engvall also told @stefen_rosner that seeing Backstrom step away is hard, as he looked up to him growing up. "He was a top player... It was fun to watch him making plays. As a kid, you wanted his curve; everyone in Sweden wanted the P92... Great player."
Carbery said the Capitals locker room was very emotional this morning with Backstrom sharing the news of his stepping away with his hip not allowing him to continue. βTo see someone describing that to his brothers, it tugs at your heart.β
Hendrix Lapierre said that Nicklas Backstrom had a huge impact on him. Also said that his favorite memory of No. 19 was when Backstrom came up and gave him game-changing advice at the Halloween party his rookie year. "I don't know if he remembers it, but I certainly do."