In a recent interview, Nicklas Backstrom discussed his long career with Alex Ovechkin, highlighting their emotional journey culminating in winning the Stanley Cup. Backstrom shared that the celebrated moment was not just joy but relief after overcoming years of playoff disappointments. The Capitals faced multiple challenges in previous seasons, notably losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins during two consecutive playoff years. Their eventual victory against the Penguins in 2018 marked a turning point, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final where they sealed their success against the Vegas Golden Knights.
It was a pretty special moment when we won together. We realized that. But back then, that hug was, to people outside, I think it looked like a happy moment. It was more like a relief, I think, for both of us. And just be like, finally we got it done.
The Capitals' Stanley Cup championship came after making the playoffs in 9 out of the previous 10 seasons but never advancing past the second round of the postseason despite winning three Presidents' Trophies.
Frustration hit its apex when the Capitals lost to the eventual back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of both the 2016 and 2017 playoffs.
With their demons exorcized, the Capitals went on to become Eastern Conference champions after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.
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