On Saturday night in Ottawa, Nicklas Backstrom became the first player in Capitals franchise history to tally 500 career assists. Not surprisingly, many of Backstrom’s peers took to social media to extend their congratulations to Backstrom.
It’s history @backstrom19! Been a treat to watch you play and do your thing over the years #congrats#500apples
— Tom Wilson (@tom_wilso) January 8, 2017
Congrats @backstrom19 on 500 assists! 🍎 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎
— Brett Connolly (@bconnolly8) January 8, 2017
Alex Ovechkin kept it short and sweet. “Congrats to my brother on reaching 500 assists. u the best!” Backstrom has assisted on 201 of Ovechkin’s 445 goals since 2007-08, Backstrom’s rookie season.
Fellow Swede Marcus Johansson kept it very Swedish, doing his best to temper the enthusiasm. “Nicklas Backstrom, 500 assists! That’s pretty impressive! Congrats partner!!”
Former teammates also sent warm and fuzzy vibes out over the social media channels. Former Washington Capital Brooks Laich posted as soon as the assist was registered: “Congratulations to my brother @nicke19 on career assist #500!! One of my all-time favorite teammates, an incredible player and an incredible friend! Pumped for you pal, go for 500 more!!”
Congrats Nicky! First Cap to ever record 500 assists and second fastest Swedish-born player at (691gms). What an amazing feat! #moretocome pic.twitter.com/JZJBOiEeQe
— Brent Johnson (@JohnnyGoalie12) January 8, 2017
Not only is 500 assists an impressive feat, and a first in the 42-year history of the Washington Capitals franchise, but Backstrom did it relatively quickly:
ELIAS: Nicklas Backstrom gets 500 assists in 691 games.. Only players since 1989 faster: Forsberg (551), Crosby (554), Jagr (642).. #Caps..
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) January 8, 2017
Congratulations Nicklas Backstrom!
By Jon Sorensen
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