Capitals C Backstrom to make season debut

Backstrom, who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery last May, reportedly will slot in on the second line, with Andre Burakovsky dropping down to the fourth group.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19), of Sweden, …

The Washington Capitals got the early jump on the Carolina Hurricanes, dominated them throughout the first period, then went on for an easy 4-1 win on Saturday night at the Verizon Center.

John Carlson and Alex Ovechkin added two more third-period goals for Washington (3-1-0), who won the final two games of their four-game season-opening homestand. This is the third time in their five-game old season that they have been held to one goal or less.

Backstrom confirmed he will play at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Buffalo left wing Sam Reinhart scored the first goal of his National Hockey League career at 2:52 in the first period off of a nice pass from Tyler Ennis.

Just 1:38 into the third period, Backstrom corralled a loose puck along the boards in the Carolina end.

Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) chases the puck against Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Noah Hanifin (5) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, October 17, 2015, in Washington.

That wasn’t enough for the Maple Leafs though as they still suffered a 2-1 loss to the Penguins. Could have easily been 3-0 after 40 minutes.

Neal also scored two power play goals as the Predators improved to 4-1-0. The Caps and Canes skated to a scoreless second period. Backstrom picked up his first assist of the season on that goal. 3, Carolina, Skinner 1, 7:45. Williams registered 201 points (81 goals, 120 assists) in 265 games with Carolina from 2003-09….