"I feel like it was just a good feeling about this team," said Backstrom, who had 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 20 playoff games. "I think it started in December when we started playing really good. We just started winning a lot more (the Capitals went 35-15-6 after Dec. 1 following a 14-11-1 start). We just took off after that. Everyone stepped up in the playoffs too. We were playing with a lot of confidence that I never seen in this team before. I think that was the key."
Backstrom, who is from Gavle, Sweden, will have his day with the Cup on Aug. 12. He'll spend part of it where he started playing hockey, at Valbo HC's NickBack Arena, which has been named after him since 2011.
Backstrom said he is looking forward to sharing the Cup with youth players from his hometown.
"I think that can be a little motivation for them too. You know: It can happen," he said.