Backstrom led the NHL with 4-4-8 in four games to power the Capitals (11-5-2, 24 points) to five out of a possible eight standings points. He scored the club's lone goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Nov. 15 before matching a career high with 2-3-5, including the decisive tally, in a 7-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Nov. 16. Backstrom then was held off the scoresheet in a 1-0 triumph over the Detroit Red Wings Nov. 18, but closed the week with 1-1-2 in a 3-2 loss to the Blue Jackets Nov. 20. The 28-year-old Gävle, Sweden, native paces the Capitals with 12 assists and 17 points in 18 outings this season.
