New guy Anthony Mantha scored his first career goal as a Washington Capital on Tuesday night against the Flyers. Nicklas Backstrom had an assist on the goal, which was his 714th career assist, allowing him to pass Daniel Alfredsson for fourth place in career assists for a Swedish player.
The goal by Mantha put the Caps ahead 5-1 in a game the Caps ultimately won 6-1. Mantha became the 49th Capital in franchise history to score in his debut.
WELCOME TO DC MO!!! pic.twitter.com/vmHLgh7aHM
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 14, 2021
In the Caps’ prior game against the Boston Bruins on April 11, Backstrom tied Alfredsson in career assists.
Nicklas Backstrom recorded his 714th career assist on the Capitals’ fifth goal, passing Daniel Alfredsson for the fourth-most assists by a Swedish born player in NHL history. pic.twitter.com/f7O0nu73uf
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 14, 2021
The only Swedish players ahead of him are: Mats Sundin (785), Henrik Sedin (830), and Nicklas Lidström (878).
Nicklas Backstrom’s 44 points (14g, 30a) in 43 games this season leads the Capitals and ranks tied for 12th in the NHL. Backstrom is one of three players over the age of 30 to rank in the top-15 in NHL scoring.
In other Nicklas Backstrom milestone news, Backstrom played in his 999th career NHL game on Tuesday, setting the stage for his 1,000th game on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.
By Diane Doyle
Related Reading
Capitals Pound Flyers, 6-1; Anthony Mantha Scores In Capitals Debut
On the Swede Side of History: Nicklas Backstrom Ties Daniel Alfredsson For Fourth-Most Assists By A Swedish-born Player; Moves Up NHL Assists List
