Nicklas Bäckström’s hip operation was substantial.
Now the Washington Capitals are giving an update on when he might be back.
– At the moment, it is only positive that he is out on the ice, says coach Peter Laviolette.
It was during the spring and summer that gloomy news came about Nicklas Bäckström. He had long had problems with a hip, and many even feared that there was a risk that the career of the Swedish superstar, who is so valued in the Washington Capitals, could be over.
Back on ice
Bäckström was open that he wanted to feel good even after his hockey career ends, so he chose to have a major operation. There were doubts about whether Bäckis would even be back this season, and updates on how he fared have been few and far between. But now comes word from the Capitals.
Washington has also had Empty Wilson out with a cruciate ligament injury. But now the coach means Peter Laviolette that Bäckis and Wilson are on their way back. The road back may be long, but they are on the right track.
– They have both been on ice for some time now. “Backy” has been on ice a little longer than Tom, but that doesn’t really mean anything. Right now they’re just driving around and feeling it out. They feel how the skates feel and do some different movement patterns to see how it feels with the body and the injuries they have sustained, says the coach, according to Hockey Sweden.
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“It’s only positive”
However, the coach is clear that it is not possible to say when Bäckström, or Wilson, will be back. But they seem to be on the right track.
– I can’t say when they can be back and I don’t even know who is closest to a return yet. It’s not like I know one of them is seven days from play and the other is 21 days from play. I don’t know which of them will be ready first, says Laviolette.
However, the fact that the duo is even out on the ice right now is considered positive, and they are players that Washington longs to get back. Nicklas Bäckström is one of the league’s best pass makers, and a radar partner to Alexander Ovetjkin.
– At the moment, it is only positive that they are out on the ice and feeling good. It hasn’t even been discussed when they would be able to train with the team again but when they do it will be awesome. You’re starting to see their bodies come back and it’s going to be great to have them back.
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