Nicklas Backstrom's Emotional Alex Ovechkin Exchange Mimics 2018 Gesture

Backstrom was one of only two teammates Ovechkin mentioned by name during his on-ice speech. The other was T.J. Oshie, who joined Backstrom in traveling to UBS Arena for the game despite both being sidelined by injury.

“I kind of assumed Backy was going to get a shout out, right?” Oshie said. “They go hand in hand and their bond is like no other of two teammates that I’ve seen. But for him to call my name in that moment was incredibly, incredibly special and honestly, very emotional for me to have him mention me and give me a little shout-out during the biggest accomplishment that the world of hockey has seen in a very long time.

“I can’t express the amount of joy I have for him right now."

The two shared a long hug in the locker room, reminiscent of their embrace after winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.

“Backy is the guy that helped most assist on my goals,” Ovechkin said. “As soon as I see him, I almost cry. Me and him been together since Day 1.”

Backstrom, who hasn’t played since Oct. 2023 due to a chronic hip issue, called that Stanley Cup win “a relief” for both when discussing Ovechkin's chase of Gretzky's record on March 23.

“We realized that,” Backstrom said. “Finally, we got it done.”

On Sunday, the connection still held. “Without you,” Ovechkin told him, “I can never get that milestone.”