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In his second regular season game played since April 28, 2022, Washington Capitals Center Nicklas Backstrom recorded his first point of the 2022-23 season against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The point came on an assist in the third period of the Capitals’ January 11 tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers, on a goal by T.J. Oshie; Martin Fehervary recorded the secondary assist.
Oshie scores to make it a one-goal game in the third period. 👀 pic.twitter.com/4y6r3XUmhC
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 12, 2023
The point marks Backstrom’s first of the season and the first time he has recorded a point in a regular season game in 264 days, since he recorded an assist on April 22, 2022. Although he played 47 games in the 2021-22 season and all of the Caps’ first round playoff matchup against the Florida Panthers, a recurring hip ailment resulted in the 2006 first-round pick to undergo serious hip surgery, which resulted in a lengthy rehabilitation and recovery process. Backstrom spoke about the surgery and recovery process with NBC Sports Washington’s Alexa Landestoy, saying that he wanted to “try something different” in attempting to cure his recurring hip problem.
It’s the return of Wilson & Backstrom to the Capitals lineup tonight! Here’s a clip from my recent interview with Backstrom on his surgery & journey since!! See you on @NBCSWashington at 4:30! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/kp4jIrg1UI
— Alexa Landestoy (Shaw) (@alexalandestoy) January 8, 2023
The franchise Assists leader recently spoke on his current status, admitting that while he has no pain after undergoing the procedure and subsequent recovery period, he is placing no internal pressure or expectations upon his long-awaited return to the lineup, which coincided with Tom Wilson’s return from ACL surgery. Backstrom played his first game on January 8 since the surgery.
Nicklas Backstrom recorded the primary assist on Oshie’s goal, his first point of the season. Backstrom, who made his season debut on Sunday, is Washington’s all-time assists leader (748).
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 12, 2023