The NHL announced that Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been named the NHL’s First Star of the Week for the week ending Jan. 15.
Backstrom, 29, led the NHL in assists (seven) and points (10) in just four games. Backstrom recorded multiple points in each of the four contests, all of which were Captials’ wins.
This season, Backstrom is fourth in the NHL in assists (30) and 10th in total points (42). Since entering the NHL in 2007, Backstrom’s 507 assists are the third-highest total, trailing only San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton (539) and Vancouver Canucks forward Henrik Sedin (537). Backstrom’s 684 points are also the seventh-highest total over the last 10 seasons.
This is the second-straight week the Capitals have had a player receive Player of the Week Honors. Braden Holtby finished as the NHL’s Third Star for the week ending Jan. 8.
In addition to Backstrom’s honors, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand and Carolina Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn were the NHL’s Second and Third Star, respectively.
Washington has enjoyed a nine-game win streak and have jumped up to first place in the NHL and Metropolitan Division. The Capitals now must head on a three-game road trip that will take them to the Pittsburgh Penguins today, the St. Louis Blues on Thursday and the Dallas Stars on Saturday.
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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