Nicklas Backstrom

Nicklas Backstrom is currently a center for the Washington Capitals, a hockey team based out of Washington D.C. Originally from Sweden, Backstrom has hockey running in his blood. His father played for Sweden's Brynas IF and his brother for Hammarby IF.

Nicklas Backstrom began playing for the Capitals in 2007, and has done well, despite being in the shadow of star player Alexander Ovechkin. In fact most of his talent lies not in scoring goals himself, but enhancing the skill of players around him. Many a great Alexander Ovechkin goal was set up and made possible by Nicklas Backstrom. Nicklas is quiet and unassuming off the ice, and some feel that his playing style is not aggressive enough on the ice.

However, this levelheadedness is what makes him such a valuable player. Even though he might not actually touch the puck last on most goals, his passing ability and commitment to good teamwork are a valuable and often rare asset. Too common is the star player who hogs the ball or the puck, and tries to be the whole team. This is generally a great way to become the best player on the losing team. Backstrom on the other hand is not too proud to sacrifice personal glory for team success. Men like Alexander Ovechkin may be a powerful weapon on the ice, but leadership ability and teamwork are as essential as offensive skill.

Backstrom has had to adapt to a different playing style when joining the Capitals. Rinks in Russia, Sweden and elsewhere in Europe are larger than in the NHL. North American hockey is generally faster and involves more contact as a result of the smaller sized rinks. This may explain Backstrom's less aggressive and more assistive style of playing, although he has been getting more assertive on the ice.