Backstrom receives standing ovation from Capitals fans before ceremonial puck drop

Nicklas Backstrom had Capital One Arena rocking on Friday.

The Washington Capitals forward received a standing ovation from fans before he participated in the ceremonial puck drop during the team’s Rock the Red Era Night celebration.

Backstrom waved to the cheering crowd as he made his way to center ice. The Capitals and Detroit Red Wings tapped their sticks on their benches.

The Capitals are celebrating each of their eras this season in honor of their 50^th anniversary.

Before the game, Backstrom hung out with captain Alex Ovechkin to pose for a picture with their bobbleheads that were given to fans in attendance.

The duo laughed as they mimicked the movement of the bobbleheads in a video posted by the team on social media.

Backstrom has played all 17 of his NHL seasons with the Capitals. He took a leave of absence from the team in October 2023 to rehab from resurfaced hip surgery.