Hockey teams generally tend to shift, mold, and transform over the years. There are some that keep their core players, and build around them, giving these teams a level of consistency that could definitely be considered rare.
The Pittsburgh Penguins rostering superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is an example, or the Chicago Blackhawks dynasty with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith. Now that they are Stanley Cup champions, it’s safe to say that the Washington Capitals would fall into that group as well.
Leading the way for the Washington Capitals for a number of years are Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, and Braden Holtby. This crew has been together since 2010, but Ovi and Backstrom go back even further than that.
When asked on Capitals Talk podcast if Ovi has a shot at the NHL goals record, Backstrom explained that he thinks there is definitely time. Ovi seemed to agree, explaining that both him and Backstrom will be suiting up for the Caps at least another 6 years.
Nicklas Backstrom: “You know, I honestly think his comment is the best one yet: Russian machine never breaks. So I honestly think that’s actually true. So he’s going to play until he’s done. Whenever he decides. That’s up to him. So I mean I think it fits him very well.”
Rob Carlin: “So the follow-up to that is – and I know you don’t want to really talk about it – but the Gretzky record? How long is he playing? Can he give it a run?”
Nicklas Backstrom: “Yeah, I mean I did my math for the radio show there. You know what? I think it’s – I’m not going to jinx it for him – but I think it’s doable, for sure. Like, without a doubt. I think so. And I know he’s hungry for it too.”
Alex Ovechkin: “Well, we’ll see. What you gonna sign six more years and then I’ll sign for five more years and here we go.”
(H/T RMNB)
