Rasmus Sandin praises Niklas Backstrom for his success in Washington
Gothenburg. Rasmus Sandin, 23, has been successful after moving to Washington.
There, childhood star Niklas Backstrom, 35, took him under his wing.
– Everyone knows what kind of hockey player he is, but as a person he is bigger, says the current WC defender.
Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond made headlines after scoring twice in his Tre Kronor debut against the Czech Republic at the Czech Hockey Games.
But the question is whether Rasmus Sandin, 23, has impressed so much in the Swedish team with his poise on the ice. The defender, also making his debut in the national team, also helped Raymond make it 1-0 in his power play.
– I didn’t do much. I got a pass and passed on to Lucas who pretty much did the rest, says Rasmus Sandin humbly.
He was successful in Washington
The former JVM star has an exciting spring behind him at the Washington Capitals, where he was unexpectedly traded in February after nearly five years in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
There were a total of 15 points in 19 games for the Caps before the season ended.
– I was shocked when it all happened. But once I got there it went fine and then the movement would be a little easier too. It was a lot of fun and it was such a revival. It was incredibly fun.
Sandin gained confidence in the power play with Alexander Ovetjkin and Niklas Backström, among others.
Not a dozen pounds straight.
– It is a nice. There are a couple of players I made when I was younger that I still do. The first day when you got there and Bakis and Ovechkin sat next to you…it was really cool. For a chance to play with them, I’d take that any day of the week.
Bäckström support: “incredibly great help”
I understand that Niklas Backstrom has taken you under his wing?
– Absolutely. He helped me a lot, from the first day when I came late at night and when I met all the guys the next day in the morning. When I was having breakfast he himself would sit outside and wait for people to come and introduce all the players and managers and everything like that. It was incredibly helpful. I appreciate that incredibly much. Everyone knows what kind of hockey player he is, but I think he’s more than a person.
“Bäckis” was like an idol
There is a 13 year difference between them, and Rasmus Sandin had considered Bakis his idol when he was growing up.
– Yes, I think there were many Swedes in our age group who looked up to him. Sandeen says it goes without saying.
The warm welcome from his fellow countryman implied a great sense of security.
Easy to hang out with, just not with him. Thanks to him, you can communicate with many others. Makes everything so much easier. You feel safe very quickly. Then of course, it helps if things go well in the beginning, too. Then the step will be easier.
Courtesy of Sam Hallam
How do you see the water cycle and your role in the team?
– It will be incredibly interesting. I haven’t thought much about the role I’m going to play. Go out there and enjoy as much as you can and enjoy the chance to play in the World Cup. It was my first international today, and it was unbelievably big. I will remember that for a long time. Now we are just looking forward to the beginning of the water cycle.
Three Kronors take on the Czech Republic and Finland this weekend before the World Cup kicks off in Tampere, Finland, next Friday. Union captain Sam Hallam liked what he saw of Rasmus Sandin on his debut.
– He is incredibly mobile and has a good sense of play. Sam Hallam says he’s incredibly calm and, if needed, can play physically, too.
