19 Nicklas Backstrom C

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Bags two apples Thursday

Backstrom snapped a season-long four-game point drought Thursday and is up to 13 goals and 55 points in 57 games. The 31-year-old Swede is not likely to find himself in such a scoring drought very often, so keep starting the talented playmaker regularly.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Stays hot in loss

While the Caps have now lost seven straight, Backstrom's actually been on a bit of a roll, scoring two goals and six points in his last five games. The 31-year-old is now one power-play point shy of 20 for the sixth consecutive season, and he's on a point-a-game pace with 51 points (13 goals, 38 helpers) through 49 contests heading into the All-Star break.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Lights lamp Tuesday

It was a night to forget for the Capitals, but Backstrom has been shooting the puck with more success in the last four games, with two goals and 15 shots during that span. If the 31-year-old has a weakness, it's that he doesn't generate enough shots to keep defenders honest. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect a breakout goal-scoring performance by the Swedish center, but his overall offense could tick up if he can become more of a dual threat, thereby opening up better passing lanes for his exceptional playmaking skills.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Pots goal Thursday

Backstrom's 11th goal of the season is his first marker since Dec. 4 and gives him 45 points in 41 games rounding into the second half of the 2018-19 season. The 31-year-old Swede is one of the great playmakers in the NHL, so keep him fixed in your lineups.

Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom: Expected to return Thursday

Backstrom missed Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Flyers but is trending toward being ready for a Thursday showdown with the Bruins. Check back for final confirmation but all signs point to an imminent return for the 29-year-old Swede.