Backstrom Tribute: “A True King”
New York. Rasmus Sandin’s success with Washington continues.
When his new club defeated the New York Islanders last night, he had three new assists – thus producing a total of eight points in the four games he had playing time with “Bäckis” & co.
– In fact, it feels so good, the 23-year-old tells Sportbladet after the 5-1 win over Long Island.
They tugged at Rasmus Sanden’s heart when his Toronto Maple Leafs friends forced him to say goodbye after a totally unexpected trip to Washington last Tuesday. It was evident that he was very sad.
But in the roughly two weeks since then, the corners of mouths have turned upward with a message, because the change of club has been nothing short of a success.
– Yes, Rasmus has been amazing since he came here. A true king, praise Niklas Backstrom when we get to him on Long Island.
Tri Nia help
There, at UBS Arena, the Capitals just scored a 5-1 thrashing of the Islanders – and Sandin cemented his status as the team’s new star with three more first assists, including a goal set up by “Bakis.”
This means the 22-year-old from Uppsala has accounted for a total of eight points over the four matches he has played.
What happened?
It’s probably a combination of things. Partly I play a lot and give confidence in different situations and even if I make a mistake they just tell me to get out and keep playing my game, says Rasmus when we get to him too.
– But I’m also very well looked after by my new teammates. Maybe that’s something everyone says, but I really mean it. It was unbelievable here, how nice everyone here is and how they lay me on the ice and make sure I get into situations so I can give in to them.
“Absolutely stunning”
“Sandy,” as it is called in North America, sounds almost lyrical.
– Yes, I don’t know what to say. It feels really great, he continues with a happy laugh.
– We are on a trip with dad and I said that to dad, how different everything is. I’m not used to playing it much, but it’s so much fun.
Despite winning last night, the Capitals are five points from the line which is a lot for this time of year, but by no means are they giving up.
– No, not at all. We don’t try to look too far ahead but take it one game at a time, but of course the goal is to get to the playoffs, explains Rasmus.
Former teammate Pierre Engvall – who was forced out of the Leaf that same Tuesday afternoon – scored his first goal for the Islanders in tonight’s game.