Backstrom gives Ovechkin advice for chasing Gretzky before game

Nicklas Backstrom knows a thing or two about assisting Alex Ovechkin.

The Washington Capitals forward gave his longtime linemate some free advice before the Capitals captain continued his chase of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record on Friday.

“Hey, no passing just shooting,” Backstrom told Ovechkin as he greeted him at center ice after the ceremonial puck drop.

“Okay, I will,” Ovechkin said in response.

Backstrom has assisted on 279 of Ovechkin’s 893 goals. No player has assisted on more of the Capitals captain’s goals.

The Swedish forward was part of the Capitals pregame festivities as the team celebrated their 2018 Stanley Cup championship in honor of their 50^th anniversary season.

Brooks Orpik, T.J. Oshie, Braden Holtby and Devante Smith-Pelly also joined Backstrom on the ice. They performed the ceremonial puck drop between Ovechkin and Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno.

Foligno also shared some words of wisdom with Ovechkin before the game.

“Hey, I said you’d already have it by now,” Foligno joked to the Capitals star.

Ovechkin heeded his longtime linemate’s advice when he scored goals No. 893 and No. 894 in the first and third period, respectively, bringing him just one goal away from breaking the record.