Fans of the Washington Capitals turned the team’s giveaway of rubber apples into a memorable moment. Longtime Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was celebrated for reaching 1,000 career points ahead of Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
Washington gave away rubber apples to commemorate Backstrom’s milestone. When he scored a go-ahead goal in third period, fans celebrated the moment by throwing the apples on the ice.
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 27, 2022ON BACKSTROM’S BIG NIGHT, HE GIVES THE CAPS THE LEAD!!
LET THE APPLES RAIN DOWN
pic.twitter.com/9KUxa3bysH
It was such a fitting way to celebrate the goal.
this. this is the one. pic.twitter.com/ByGyIIMS9s
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 27, 2022See AlsoHow to Select a Hockey Stick
There were so many apples that the game was delayed roughly five minutes as Capital One Arena crew scrambled to clear the rink. Players from both the Caps and Devils throw in a hand to help the effort.
Love how everyone is pitching in to help clear the ice … of rubber apples https://t.co/q9KsNR7Iws pic.twitter.com/88UcgITFCR
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) March 27, 2022
Capitals announcer Joe Beninati joked Backstrom is the “Apple King” during NBC Sports Washington’s broadcast.
This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.
As an avid sports enthusiast with a focus on hockey, particularly the NHL, I've closely followed and analyzed numerous memorable moments in the league. My extensive knowledge extends to the Washington Capitals, and I can provide insights into the specific event mentioned in the article about Nicklas Backstrom's remarkable achievement.
In the context of the Washington Capitals' celebration of Nicklas Backstrom reaching 1,000 career points, it's evident that the team chose a unique and symbolic way to commemorate this milestone. The use of rubber apples as giveaways is a clever nod to Backstrom's achievement, likely drawing inspiration from the tradition of throwing hats onto the ice when a player scores three goals in a game.
The article captures the essence of the celebration, highlighting the fans' enthusiastic participation in the commemoration. When Backstrom scored a crucial go-ahead goal in the third period, the fans expressed their excitement by throwing the rubber apples onto the ice. This visually striking and unconventional celebration not only signifies Backstrom's personal milestone but also creates a memorable and shared experience for the fans.
The aftermath of the celebration, as described in the article, further demonstrates the impact of this unique gesture. The sheer number of rubber apples thrown onto the ice caused a delay in the game, requiring the arena crew to swiftly clear the rink. The involvement of players from both the Capitals and the New Jersey Devils in assisting with the cleanup adds a communal and sportsmanship element to the event.
The mention of Capitals announcer Joe Beninati humorously dubbing Backstrom the "Apple King" during the broadcast adds a lighthearted touch to the story. It showcases the camaraderie and playful spirit within the team and its community.
In summary, this article captures the essence of a distinctive and memorable celebration in the world of hockey, using rubber apples as a creative and symbolic gesture to honor Nicklas Backstrom's remarkable achievement of reaching 1,000 career points. The enthusiastic participation of fans, the subsequent cleanup efforts, and the humorous commentary all contribute to making this moment a noteworthy and cherished chapter in Washington Capitals history.
