The Washington Capitals 4-3 overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night capped off the best month in franchise history. The victory also included additional statistical milestones for Capitals players. Alex Ovechkin Scored his 668th and 669th career goals, passing Luc Robitaille for 12th on the NHL’s all-time goals list. In addition, Capitals’ star centerman Nicklas Backstrom continues to quietly climb the ranks of all time points leaders among Swedish-born players.
With three more assists in Tuesday night’s victory, Backstrom tied Peter Forsberg for the seventh most points by a Swedish-born player.
Nicklas Backstrom (233g, 652a, 885 points) has tied Peter Forsberg (885) for the seventh most points all-time by a Swedish-born player.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 30, 2019
Amazingly, Forsberg amassed his 885 career points in 200 fewer games than Backstrom.
Backstrom trails Red Wings great Henrik Zetterberg by 75 points for sixth place all time. He will likely pass Zetterberg in less career games played, and could ultimately pass the Sedin brothers in fewer games as well.
Backstrom is currently ranked 121st in all time Points in NHL history, but could crack the top 100 by the end of the season.
Backstrom has two goals and 10 assists in 12 games played so far this season. He and the Capitals are back in action on Friday when they host the Buffalo Sabres at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for just after 7:00PM.
By Jon Sorensen
Let’s be real everyone Peter Forsberg was one of the top five greatest hockey players of all time let alone the best Swedish born player. If not for injuries forsberg would be up there with the likes of Gretzky especially if he was able to play 1300 games or more.
Couldn’t withstand the rigors of playing in the NHL. That’s part of the job.