Washington Capitals set to add Backstrom and Wilson back into lineup

The Washington Capitals have played the majority of this season shorthanded. John Carlson was placed on injured reserve a few days ago, Connor Brown and Carl Hagelin have also been out with injuries. Most importantly, Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson haven’t played yet this season. That will change soon.

The Washington Capitals are set to add Backstrom and Wilson back into the lineup.

It is about to look as if the Washington Capitals traded for two top-six forwards when they hit the ice on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. With Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom back in the lineup, the Capitals are going to feel like an entirely new team.

Last season Backstrom played in just 47 games. He put up 31 points and six goals during that time. While it might not be the numbers we are used to for Backstrom, getting him back into the lineup will definitely help the team.

Last season Tom Wilson registered 24 goals and 52 points in 78 games with the Capitals. He registered 240 hits as well and was a constant force on the ice for the team. Getting him back into the lineup is going to really help the Capitals.

Backstrom and Wilson being added to the lineup at the same time is incredible to see. For a while this season, it looked as though the Capitals were going to be on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Yet they have been playing some really good hockey as of late.

While the Capitals lost their last game against the Nashville Predators, they are currently 7-1-2 in their last ten games and are tied for third in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals could very well sneak into the playoffs as a wild-card team, especially considering they are now adding two stars back into the lineup.

One player who I am worried about with Backstrom returning would have to be Dylan Strome. Strome is currently third on the team in points with 31 this season, including 14 on the power play. Backstrom is a great centerman and is definitely someone who could slot back into a top-six role after a few games of getting back up to speed.

If that were to happen, Strome would get bumped down to the third line. If his time in Chicago taught fans anything, it would be that he plays better the more minutes he gets.

The Capitals might need a few games to reestablish their identity with Wilson and Backstrom in the lineup. Considering a while back, it looked like they could be in a good position to land a top draft pick, it is awesome to see the Capitals add back Wilson and Backstrom in a real position to do some damage this postseason.