Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom reacted to Washington’s crucial 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. Backstrom told the media that the Capitals controlled and frustrated the Bolts in a playoff-like atmosphere.



Backstrom finished with two goals in the victory, a first for him since December 1st against the Blues.

While the Capitals have been criticized for failing to play a full sixty minutes, they did just that against Tampa Bay. Captain Alex Ovechkin said the Caps played a “solid game” and complimented the Caps power play offense in his post game remarks. Ovie scored the Caps power play goal in the second period. It was Washington’s first power play goal since October 30th and marked a four point game for the great eight.

With the win, the Caps trail by just three points in the Southeast Division to the Lightning, end Tampa’s six game win streak, score five goals for the first time since December 21st and break their own three game losing streak. All before hosting the Penguins on Sunday.