Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom have undoubtedly been the core of the Washington Capitals organization for over a decade.

Ovechkin and Backstrom's relationship on the ice runs deep. The Capitals captain greeted Backstrom on stage during the 2006 NHL Draft stage to welcome him to the franchise, igniting the lethal duo's connection.

As the Washington Capitals claimed its first Stanley Cup in 44 years on Thursday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called upon Ovechkin to claim the Stanley Cup. Ovechkin took his long-awaited victory lap. But the Capitals' captain needed to pass the trophy onto someone.

Ovechkin immediately nodded over to his teammates to bestow the Stanley Cup upon Backstrom .

Backstrom sustained a hand injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins that led many to wonder when or if he would return for the Capitals' playoff run. He missed Games 5 and 6 against Pittsburgh and even sat out for the first two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the conference finals. He ultimately returned for Washington's last push to clinch the Stanley Cup Final berth.

Backstrom has virtually done it all on the international stage, but the Stanley Cup has evaded the Swede. Backstrom finished third among Capitals skaters with 22 points during the playoffs. He scored six points in five games against the Golden Knights.