Nicklas Backstrom Has Been Washington Capitals' MVP So Far This Season

As we approach the midway point in the NHL season, the Washington Capitals are right in the middle of the competition in the Eastern conference. The Capitals are currently 13-10-5, registering 31 points and currently sitting in seventh place in the East. Washington looks poised to return to the postseason, but must improve on its 5-5-4 record at home in order to do

so. Alexander Ovechkin has played up to his All-Star level, but Nicklas Backstrom has been the unsung hero for the Capitals this season.

Backstrom is often overlooked in Washington, but one could argue that his presence is the most important. He leads the team in points with 27 in 28 games, most of them coming from his 22 assists. Backstrom is a valuable center who sets up his teammates with excellent passes for open shots. Much of the Caps’ offense flows through Backstrom, which typically results in him setting Ovechkin up for a wicked slap shot.

He possesses an uncanny knowledge of the game and seems to always make the right play when he has the puck. His stick-handling and skating are a thing of beauty. If Ovechkin is the muscle of the Capitals, then Backstrom is the brain.

Washington is hoping to return the playoffs under new coach Barry Trotz after failing to qualify for the first time in seven years in 2013. The Capitals appear to be on track to do so in 2014, but must maintain their consistent play in the second half of the season. Washington will rely on its stars to carry the team to the end, with Backstrom quietly leading the way.

Ben Linton is a Baltimore Orioles writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @Ben_Linton91, or add him to your network on Google.