Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images

While the NHL debut of top prospect Connor McMichael in the Washington Capitals’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres was one of the most-talked about moments of the game, star center Nicklas Backstrom also marked an important milestone in his NHL career, surpassing franchise great Peter Bondra for the third-most Games Played in franchise history. Bondra took to social media to congratulate his fellow Capitals great on the milestone.

NO ANGLE, NO PROBLEM pic.twitter.com/RdogcXjzYH

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 24, 2021

Backstrom, who was drafted fourth overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played in career Game No. 962, which passed Bondra’s mark of 961 for the third-most Games Played in the history of the Capitals. Backstrom now sits just 22 games away from surpassing longtime Capitals defenseman Calle Johansson for second All-Time, and 194 behind longtime linemate/teammate Alex Ovechkin, who ranks first with 1,156. Bondra took to Twitter to congratulate Backstrom, who recorded a goal and assist in the contest.

Thanks peter!! https://t.co/TBC4J9Y9Ej

— Nicklas Backstrom (@backstrom19) January 25, 2021

Bondra spent 13 full seasons and part of a 14th in Washington, playing in 961 games, and at the time of his trade to the Ottawa Senators, led the franchise in a number of offensive categories (since surpassed by Ovechkin in Goals, Game-winning Goals, Power Play Goals, Hat Tricks, and Shots, and Ovechkin and Backstrom in Points, respectively). Backstrom has played his entire 14-season career in Washington, and has recorded 934 points (247 goals, 687 assists) in 962 games played; he is the franchise Assists leader, is now third in Games Played, second in Points, and third in Assists Per Game. Following the 2019-20 season, Backstrom re-signed with the Capitals on a five-year contract, ensuring many more seasons in a Capitals sweater.

NHL

By Michael Fleetwood