Capitals' Trotz campaigning for Backstrom to receive All-Star recognition

By foxsports
Published

Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom has yet to be named to an NHL All-Star Game during his impressive career.

Backstrom's absence from the midseason event doesn't sit well with coach Barry Trotz, who has been vocal about his displeasure with the situation. Trotz has gone as far to compare Backstrom to decorated Boston forward Patrice Bergeron, a three-time Selke Trophy winner who is also quiet in nature.

Via the Washington Post:

Backstrom set up three tallies in Washington's 7-3 victory over the Metropolitan Division-rival New York Rangers on Sunday. The 28-year-old Swede has collected 10 goals and 21 assists in 30 games this season for a team-leading 31 points - which is one more than the respective totals of superstar Alex Ovechkin and fellow forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.

The fourth overall pick of the 2006 draft, Backstrom has recorded 603 points (155 goals, 448 assists) in 607 career games - all with Washington.

The 2016 All-Star Game will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Jan. 31. The contest will have players representing the four divisions competing in three 20-minute games in a tournament before a semifinal round will give way to the championship.

The league is banking that the success of the regular-season's 3-on-3 overtime format will carry over to the All-Star Game.

"Well, I’m talking about Backstrom, and he's in that same mold as a Bergeron. They're complete players, they’re fantastic on the draws, in every situation, on both sides of the puck and when the game is on the line. That is, to me, why he should be either getting some All-Star recognition or at least some Selke recognition for sure."