Photo: Geoff Burke

On Friday, the Washington Capitals got back to business, holding a practice at Calgary’s old Olympic stomping grounds. After the hour-long session was concluded, Nicklas Backstrom spoke to the media and was asked about Caps rookie Andre Burakovsky.

Through six games this season, the Burracuda is a point-per-game player, tallying six points and scoring two big goals. When Backstrom first began his North American career with the Caps, he tallied four points – all assists – in six games as a 19-year-old.

Nicky was asked about how he would compare himself to Andre at that age and it’s great stuff.

How would you compare [Burakovsky] to [yourself] at that age? Were you guys similar players as teenagers at 19?

Nicklas Backstrom: Yeah. I would say we’re pretty similar. He’s a little faster than I was. [laughs] He has a better shot than I did. But we’re pretty similar. We started off when we were 19 and it’s a big step coming into this league that young. It’s fun to see.

And you’ve kind of taken him under your wing a little bit?

NB: Yeah, I mean it’s always good [to do that]. When I first got [to North America], Michael Nylander was here. He took me under his wing a little bit. It was always nice to have someone to talk to off the ice. And if he wants the same, I’m right here. [smiles]

Is he staying with you right now?

NB: He’s going to move in when we get back from this road trip for a little bit.

Is that a big thing for a young guy to be with a family right away?

NB: I think it’s good for him. We can make him food and make it feel like home. I think it’s a good way to start, but obviously then you want to develop as a human being and grow up.