ARLINGTON, V.A. – Alex Ovechkin was the one to call Nicklas Backstrom up to the podium when the Washington Capitals drafted him, introducing a center that would ultimately play a pivotal part in Ovechkin's quest of history.

After all, someone had to get Ovechkin the puck in order for the captain to hit 888 career goals — and counting — as he chases down Wayne Gretzky's all-time record, and no player has set up more of Ovechkin's goals than No. 19, who assisted on 279 of them.

But Backstrom is still the same person he was when he entered the league: soft-spoken and humble. That's why now, as Ovechkin sits just seven goals away from passing Gretzky, he refuses to take any credit for what No. 8 has done.

"Obviously, this is all him," Backstrom insists, deflecting the attention away from himself. "I'm not going to take any credit for that... I'm not going to take away his moment to shine, you know? I just feel I've been really fortunate."

Backstrom kept all the spotlight on Ovechkin as he reflected on the GR8 Chase and what his longtime teammate and friend has accomplished in a meeting with reporters on Friday.

"It's so impressive. He's always been a great goal scorer and for him to be seven goals away from becoming the greatest of all time, I'm happy for him, it's really fun to watch," Backstrom said.

What's even more impressive to Backstrom is how, despite finding different ways to score and having to change his game over the years, Ovechkin has remained the same person he was at the start of his career.

"Never underestimate Alex," Backstrom grinned.

Sitting Down With GR8Ness: There's More To Alex Ovechkin Beyond The Goals ARLINGTON, V.A. — Sitting in his stall at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, still wearing his gear, untying his trademark yellow laces and proudly wearing his No. 8 on a gold chain around his neck, Alex Ovechkin glances over.

Backstrom joined Washington two years after Ovechkin, and Bruce Boudreau made a bold decision to try playing them on the same line. Quickly, they turned into one of the NHL's most dangerous duos over the years thanks to Backstrom's playmaking and vision and Ovechkin's unparalleled shot and ability to find twine.

"The first time when we started playing with each other, I think we were a good match," Backstrom said, adding, "He hasn't changed since the first time I met him, he's the same kind of outgoing person... we knew we had each other."

The two did quite a bit of damage over the years, as Backstrom set Ovechkin up for success and vice-versa while helping transform the struggling Capitals into a playoff contender, and in turn, D.C. into a legitimate hockey town.

"That was obviously very special... we created this hockey city vibe," Backstrom said. "... It was a good run."

And then finally, in 2018, they did what they set out to do, bringing a Stanley Cup to D.C. Backstrom said that's still his favorite memory that he's shared with the captain, who also helped Backstrom, who broke his finger during that playoff run, lift the Cup.

"In that scenario, I could hold it, but he didn't want to let it go," Backstrom joked.

Then, as time went on, Backstrom started to see the goals piling up for his longtime linemate, and he said he started to suspect that Ovechkin could make a legitimate pass at Gretzky's record four years ago.

"I've always said that if there's any guy that can do it, it's him," Backstrom smiled. "He's capable of it, and you see right now, he's sitting seven goals away, he's going to do it, it's just a matter of time... he's got the ability to put the puck in the net like no one else."

Looking back, Ovechkin said he took a lot of pride in being Ovechkin's center, laughing that his biggest takeaway was letting his longtime friend know that he wasn't, in fact, always open. Still, his advice to anyone else who plays on Ovechkin's line, is simple.

"Give him the puck," he said.

Backstrom will be around as Ovechkin moves toward the record, as he'll start traveling with the team so that he can capture the moment in person. He does wish he was out there with him, but this is the next best thing for the alternate captain, who is out indefinitely amid chronic hip issues that haven't responded to the hip resurfacing surgery he underwent in June 2022.

When it comes to how 895 will play out on the ice, Backstrom isn't sure, but what he does know is that Ovechkin will get the job done, and it'll be because of his undying passion for hockey.

"His love for the game, loves to score goals, I think that's what's been driving him for all these years," Backstrom said. "I just think that he loves being at the rink... he's got this special way of playing. That's why he's so special."