About Time: Nicklas Backstrom Selected to Play in His First NHL All-Star Game

Nine years into an impressive career, Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been selected by the NHL to participate in his first NHL All-Star Game.

Joining him will be teammates Alex Ovechkin (already selected by fans as the Metropolitan Division’s captain, and goalie Braden Holtby. Holtby will also be playing in his first NHL ASG and Ovechkin his seventh. Barry Trotz will be the Metropolitan team’s head coach.

Backstrom said he was surprised to learn he’ll be an all-star. Why? “I haven’t been to an all-star game before.” (WaPo)

And to make this seem more unbelievable, Sidney Crosby did not make this years All-Star game roster.

The Capitals’ three All-Star selections mark the team’s most selections since 1984-85.

Braden Holtby on playing the goaltender-friendly 3-on-3 format: “It’ll be interesting. Will try to get through it without getting hurt.” (WaPo)

Congrats Capitals All-Stars!

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.

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