Fantucchio’s Focus: Backstrom Stepping Away; So Too Is Dorion (Not By Choice)

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Thursday, November 2, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Nicklas Backstrom Stepping Away From Hockey:

In a sudden announcement, longtime Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom announced that he is stepping away from hockey.

Backstrom, 35, has struggled this season after having hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022.

The Washington Capitals and Nicklas Backstrom provide an update on Backstrom’s health status.

Full release: https://t.co/cnyOHoqFxt pic.twitter.com/OXA7n1Dsqu

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 1, 2023

Dorion Out In Ottawa:

Pierre Dorion has been relieved of his duties as general manager of the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

The decision made by new Senators owner Michael Andlauer came in light of the NHL stripping the club of a first-round draft pick for its role in the trade of Evgenii Dadonov in 2021.

Steve Staios will take over as the interim GM in Ottawa.

Carter Hart Exits Game Early:

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart exited a game in the middle of the first period against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday evening.

After the opening period, the Philadelphia Flyers said he had a mid-body injury and would not return to the game. There has been no further update since.

Yesterday’s Scoreboard:

Sabres: 5, Flyers: 2

Stars: 4, Flames: 3

Avalanche: 4, Blues: 1

Ducks: 4, Coyotes: 3 (OT)

Today’s Schedule:

All Times EST

New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.

Florida Panthers vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins, 7:30 p.m.

New Jersey Devils vs. Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m.

Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Arizona Coyotes, 10 p.m.

Nashville Predators vs. Seattle Kraken, 10 p.m.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.

More From National Hockey Now:

Carolina: According to Bryant Baucom, Rod Brind’Amour is one of the best coaches of the modern age.

Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins have won just three of their first nine games, and no one is being spared from criticism.

Washington: Now that Nicklas Backstrom is stepping away from the game, the Washington Capitals have a few options to replace him in their lineup.

Boston: The youth movement continues for the Boston Bruins as Mason Lohrei will make his NHL debut on Thursday.

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens have long been the most prestigious franchise in hockey, and they have the money to back it up.

Chicago: The Chicago Blackhawks are learning that rebuilds involve the natural progression of two steps forward and one step back.

Colorado: With a disappointing start to the season, Ross Colton knows he has more to prove for the Colorado Avalanche.

San Jose: What’s next for Joe Thornton now that he has officially retired?

Vegas: Finding the imperfections in the Vegas Golden Knights‘ practically perfect start to the season.

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