Since they were paired up in that 2007 season, Ovechkin has scored 299 goals and Backstrom has assisted 331 goals. Now, these numbers don't go hand in hand but it's pretty obvious that Backstrom has assisted on the majority of those 299 goals Ovechkin has tallied. It should be noted that it's harder to score a goal then it is to assist one but either totals could be different if they didn't play together on the ice.
Through the five seasons the tandem has been together, Ovechkin has won three Rocket Richard trophys (leagues leading goal scorer) and three Hart memorial trophys (league MVP.) Twice in those five seasons BOTH players finished in the leagues top 10 in total points. Through the young 2013-14 season they place in the top 10 as well. Their best season together was in 2009-10 when, in the whole league, Ovechkin finished 3rd in points with 109 and Backstrom finished 4th with 101. That is phenomenal when you think about the league having 30 different teams taking the ice every season.
In Tuesday night's 6-5 shootout win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ovechkin scored an incredible four goals in the matchup and Backstrom assisted on all four and even added a goal himself. Two of Ovechkin's goals came on the power play and with the second one he surpassed Peter Bondra for the most power play goals in franchise history with 138. After the game, Ovechkin received a ton of attention for scoring four goals and breaking Bondra's record but made sure Backstrom wasn't forgotten. Here's what he had to say about his friend and linemate Backstrom:
"He's a leader and one of our best players," Ovechkin said. "He probably deserves more attention, but it's all about us being on the same page." The two players have been in a small slump in terms of hooking up for goals and actually hadn't combined for a goal since Nov 17th but Ovechkin goes on to explain how hard work changes everything. "We win a couple of games and then everyone thinks the chemistry is back and everything is ok." Ovechkin said. "We're working hard. We're trying to do what's best for the team and for our success. We've been together since his first year. I don't think any two players on this team have the same chemistry."
In Ovechkins last 50 regular season games, he has 48 goals. Those are Wayne Gretzky type of numbers. So far this season Ovechkin has produced a league leading 26 goals and 9 assists and Backstrom has produced 7 goals and 25 assists. Isn't it amazing how those numbers match up? For the season, they are both on pace to tally over 100 points. Ovechkin is on pace for 70 goals! This tandem is feared around the league and requires every team's top defensemen's full attention.
When the NHL went into a lockout for part of the 2012-13 season, Ovechkin signed with his old KHL team, Dynamo Moscow in Russia, to play with until the NHL straightened out the new collective bargaining agreement. After playing in a few games, Ovechkin actually talked Backstrom into coming over and playing with him. The two were reunited on a line and it didn't take long for them to show off their chemistry in a different country. Before they returned to the NHL, Ovechkin scored 19 goals and 21 assists in 31 games and Backstrom scored 10 goals and 15 assists in 19 games. The duo helped Dynamo win games which helped them reach the playoffs and Dynamo went on to win the KHL's Gagarin Cup.
The only thing that saddens me, is when it comes time to watch Olympic hockey, we will not have these incredible hockey players on Team USA. But at least we won't have to worry about facing them as a duo because Ovechkin will be suited up for Russia and Backstrom for Sweden. Let's just hope they can stay healthy through the Sochi Olympics and team USA finds a way to bring home the Gold.
GO CAPS! GO USA!
Thanks for reading,
Zach Hart
Shades of Red
The only thing that saddens me, is when it comes time to watch Olympic hockey, we will not have these incredible hockey players on Team USA. But at least we won't have to worry about facing them as a duo because Ovechkin will be suited up for Russia and Backstrom for Sweden. Let's just hope they can stay healthy through the Sochi Olympics and team USA finds a way to bring home the Gold.
GO CAPS! GO USA!
Thanks for reading,
Zach Hart
Shades of Red
This article is featured in a weekly sports column for "Bristow Beat"
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