Nicklas Backstrom has lived comfortably in Alex Ovechkin’s shadow since he began his NHL career during the 2007-08 season. But here’s another stat to put in perspective just how dominant Backstrom can be when he’s playing his best hockey.
Nicklas Backstrom torched #Penguins for a 5 point game. Since he entered the NHL in 2007-08, only Evgeni Malkin's had more such performances pic.twitter.com/4HHKXcWydZ
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) November 17, 2016
According to TSN, Backstrom has five five-point games since the 2007-08 season. That’s as many fivers as Sidney Crosby and one more than teammate Alex Ovechkin. He only trails Evgeni Malkin who has six total.
Backstrom’s big night against Pittsburgh Wednesday, marked the first time since the 2013-14 season that he’s scored five points. It also marked the first time Backstrom hit that ridiculous point total in a game, while scoring two goals. Backstrom’s only performed the feat against rival teams in the Eastern Conference.
Backstrom’s career five-point nights
11/16/2016 against Pittsburgh Penguins – 2 goals, 3 assists
12/10/2013 against Tampa Bay Lightning – 1 goal, 4 assists
02/04/2010 against New York Rangers – 1 goal, 4 assists
12/05/2009 against Philadelphia Flyers – 1 goal, 4 assists
11/15/2008 against New Jersey Devils – 1 goal, 4 assists
