Backstrom named NHL Star of Week

Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week today – the second time he’s been so honored in his career. Backstrom scored four goals and recorded five assists as the Caps went 3-0. He did it without seeing much of winger Alex Ovechkin on his left side. Ovechkin was kicked out of Monday’s win at Carolina for a knee-on-knee hit in the first period – after assisting a Backstrom goal – and then was suspended for games against Florida and Philadelphia. Backstrom used Ovechkin’s absence to take over the team lead in points with 33. He has eight goals and 25 assists and ranks 10th in points in the NHL. He is third in assists overall. Backstrom had a goal and four assists Saturday in an 8-2 win over Philadelphia.