Backstrom makes season debut vs. Blackhawks

Washington Capitals star Nicklas Backstrom made his season debut Wednesday night following an offseason hip injury.

The 34-year-old centered Washington's second line in his return and played over 18 minutes in the Capitals' 5-4 overtime loss against the Chicago Blackhawks. He assisted on Alex Ovechkin's momentous power-play marker in the second period, which tied Ovechkin with Dave Andreychuk for the most power-play goals in NHL history.

Backstrom began the 2021-22 campaign on long-term injured reserve. The Capitals activated him from the injured non-roster list earlier Wednesday.

Backstrom notched 53 points in 55 games last season. The Capitals have fared well without the veteran playmaker, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division through 29 contests.