Is He Alex Ovechkins Mark Messier?
Nicklas Backstrom is entering his third year in the NHL and his third year playing with Alex Ovechkin. The last two years Backstrom has been the Capitals No. 2 scorer behind Ovechkin. When I see these two guys play, it takes me back to the time when Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier with the Edmonton Oilers from 1979 to 1988. Ovechkin like Gretzky during that time is the best scorer in the game and like what Messier did for Gretzky Backstrom is doing for Ovechkin. Nicklas Backstrom is the perfect teammate for Ovechkin. He is a young talented player who has no problem playing second fiddle to Ovechkin. He also has the talent to take over the game if Ovechkin is out or being smothered by the defense. Backstrom and Ovechkin are the keys to Washington’s success this season and beyond. Look for the Capitals to become a mainstay in the playoffs for years to come with talent like this. Their are lots of great one-two punches in the history of the hockey league and also in the league this year. C
