Screencap: Washington Capitals
Saturday was “breakdown day” for the Washington Capitals. The day symbolically represents the final day of the 2022-23 season for the team, as players hold final meetings with management and hold their final media availability with local press.
Nicklas Backstrom met with the media early on Saturday morning. He said that he’s obviously disappointed about the 2022-23 season.
“We haven’t been in this situation, too often. The playoffs, that’s why you play the game and that’s where all the fun can happen. It’s disappointing, obviously,” said Backstrom.
Backstrom played in 39 games this season after returning from hip surgery. While playing just half a season was not ideal for Backstrom, he feels he’s made tremendous progress.
“I think the progress has been better. Better and better. Obviously, it’s not ideal to come in mid season, having a big surgery like that. You missed a lot and you’re trying to catch up. It’s not ideal,” said Backstrom.
“I’m optimistic about next year. Have a good summer, the first real good summer in a couple of years and be ready at training camp, and be part of that. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Backstrom feels the team still has the makings of a playoff team and he’s optimistic next year will be different.
“I think the core group here has been with each other for a long time. We’re not happy about the situation. With this group we can regroup and start fresh next year. Hopefully we can get together as a team and really start off the right way. We’re still hungry in here and we still want to win. We need to turn this around.”
The Capitals will have a new bench boss appointed in the coming days. As for the last one, Backstrom had nothing but praise for Peter Laviolette, who parted ways with the team on Friday.
“It’s obviously part of the business that kinda sucks. He’s a great guy. He’s been a great coach for us. We wish him well. He’s done great things. Just looking at the last three years, he’s had some tough breaks. Especially this year too with injuries. He’s been managing the team as a true leader he is.”
Backstrom said he will remain in the DC area until June, when his kids finish school. Then the family will return to his home in Gavle, Sweden.
Full interview: