AP Photo/TT/Ludvig Thunman
The Washington Capitals announced today that forward Andre Burakovsky will represent Sweden at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. Burakovsky is scheduled to join the team for Sweden’s game on Sunday, May 15, against Switzerland in Moscow.
During “Breakdown day” yesterday at Kettler, Nicklas Backstrom stated he would not be participating in the World Championship this year, but noted he was completely healthy going into the off-season.
From the Capitals press release:
Burakovsky, 21, set career highs in games played (79), goals (17), assists (21) and points (38) this season. The Malmo, Sweden, native tallied an assist at Nashville on Feb. 9, extending his point streak to eight games (1/17-2/9: 5g, 4a). His eight-game point streak marked the longest Washington point streak since Nicklas Backstrom recorded a nine-game point streak during the 2012-13 season (3/30/13-4/13/13: 1g, 14a). Burakovsky played in his 100th NHL/Capitals game and scored a goal at New Jersey on Feb. 6, extending his goal streak to five games. His five-game goal streak tied the Capitals longest goal streak this season (Alex Ovechkin: 10/10-10/22). Burakovsky was one of 11 players in the NHL this season to score a goal in five or more consecutive games. In addition, he became the eighth player in franchise history to reach 100 games before his 21st birthday (Bob Carpenter, Scott Stevens, Kevin Hatcher, Gaetan Duchesne, Tom Wilson, Mike Marson, Nicklas Backstrom). The 6’3”, 202-pound forward has earned 60 points (26g, 34a) in 132 career NHL games with Washington.
Burakovsky won a silver medal with Sweden at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship. He registered seven points (3g, 4a) in seven games at the tournament. He also represented Sweden in the 2013 U18 World Junior Championship, the 2012 U17 World Hockey Challenge and 2012 U18 World Junior Championship.
