Washington Capitals 2023 training camp officially began on Wednesday with off-ice activities, which included team meetings and player physicals. Thursday morning was the first official day for on-ice activities for the Capitals at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The team ran through the traditional skate (conditioning) tests and held typical man-on-man drills.
The Capitals also held their annual team media day on Thursday, where players met with the media for the first time this season. Capitals centerman Nicklas Backstrom met with the media Thursday morning.
Backstrom was asked the inevitable question, right off the bat. How does he feel compared to last summer or even eight months ago, when he was recovering from hip resurfacing surgery? Backstrom was short and succinct in his reply. “Way better.”
Nicklas Backstrom looks good. More fluid with his turns and crossovers. Also getting a little gritty in front. pic.twitter.com/0E5eMCysUE
— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) September 21, 2023
But make no mistake, Backstrom is tired of talking about the surgery to his hip.
“I mean, I got nothing, nothing more to say about it. I mean, I’m 100%. I’ve done everything I can this summer. I worked really hard. Really excited to be here for the training camp. Love this team. Love this city. Love the fans,” said Backstrom.
“There’s nothing I’m more excited about than going back playing hockey. I mean, I can only control the things that I can control. And that’s being as prepared as possible. And that’s what I’ve done.”
Backstrom returned to Washington’s lineup in early January and played out the rest of the season, racking up 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 39 games.
Backstrom said the return to “normalcy” was the only thing different about his off-season preparations.
“I think I said it in an interview, before. I think, just working out, a normal summer. That’s basically what it is. No rehab, just normal workouts like everyone else.”
As for offseason changes made by the Capitals, Backstrom said he is excited to work with new head coach Spencer Carbery, even though it’s only been a couple of days since the two have been working together.
“I think he’s just gonna bring in a new philosophy for us. A lot of things are gonna change, systematically, I think. I just think that, hopefully, that’s gonna fit us a little bit better, the way we want to play, and go from there,” said Backstrom. “It’s only been a couple of days with him, but he seems like a smart coach, a lot of good pointers already. I’m excited to work with him.”
Backstrom returned to a line with longtime linemate Alex Ovechkin to open camp line workouts on Thursday morning.
“Yeah, it’s awesome. I mean, obviously it’s the start of training camp and everyone is mixing up this stuff but every time you get a chance to practice or play with Ovi. It’s amazing. Was like back in the day.”
Possible a line early in the year.
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Mantha
Sandin-Carlson pic.twitter.com/hdSQEolkRI— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) September 21, 2023
Backstrom and the Capitals kick off the season on Friday, Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena.
By Jon Sorensen
Jon and Jacob thanks for the analysis and videos!
Group A passed the Eye Test as well as the physical test. El-Bashir showed the first videos this morning on Twitter (er, I mean ‘X’), both of the Suicides and the 2-on-2 drills. Backstrom and Ovechkin are healed from their injuries and it was on display. Let the Boo-birds snarl, but I’m watching the rest of the roster for the drama and intrigue of this pre-season’s Caps show.
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I’d be tired of the question, too. He seems pissed by it. Maybe he comes out balls on fire
🤨🤔
Enough. Let this guy prove it one way or another on the ice.
Just go away now, stop holding back this team do something else with your time. How pathetic this team has become. you’re only here to make a nice story.
Future HOF and retired Caps jersey has earned the opportunity to give it a chance.