Nicklas Bäckström has scored in this seasons opening game against newcomers Skellfteå in the Swedish elite league. The goal looks in this moment late in the third, to be the game winner. Way to go Nick, hopefully there will be more.
He did look a bit off to start with, took at least one silly penalty.
But did recover as the game continued.
On the other hand, let's all cut him some slack, he's heralded as the 'new big star', journalists can't say his name without also naming Peter Forsberg,
Swedish media is mad about him, "finally a new star, to follow Forsberg and Sundin!", Henrik's Lundqvist and Zetterberg are obviously forgotten.
But one thing is clear, he did the right thing, this year in sweden will prepare him for next year in Washington. He'll be chased by media, he'll be expected to deliver and every bad game and mistake will be national news.
I'm just waiting for the tabloids to start shouting "Hockey Super Star Nicklas Bäckström seen with leggy blonde!".
// hdw