Washington Capitals fans know, and have known for years that Nicklas Backstrom is one of the best two-way centers in the league. It has been heard from countless players and coaches for years that Backstrom is one of the most underrated players in the league. That still may be an understatement.
Backstrom had a very strong start to the 2018-2019 campaign and was on-pace for his best season of his career. He slowed down, like most players do, and finished with a beyond respectable 74 points in 80 games. This is up from his 71 points in 81 games the previous season, and also marks his 6th-consecutive season of 70 or more points.