After undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery last summer, Caps first line center Nicklas Backstrom stepped on the ice at the Verizon Center for the first time Saturday night. Fans welcomed him back him with thunderous applause and heartfelt cheers. The humble, soft-spoken 27 year old has often been referred to as the most underrated player in NHL, but his stats speak for themselves. Last season, Backstrom didn’t miss a game for the sixth time in his career. He lead the NHL with 60 assists, finishing among the league’s top five with 78 points and ranking first on the Capitals with 1.