NHL Playoffs 2011: Backstrom Needs to Find His Scoring Touch Against Tampa Bay

The Washington Capitals, as a team have dug themselves a sizable hole by dropping the first two games of their Semifinal series against Tampa Bay.  Entering Tuesday's Game 3 on the road down in Tampa, the Capitals need strong games from their best players more than ever.  

Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin have been among the team's most valuable players, each scoring key goals at critical times.  However, Washington's other star forward, Nicklas Backstrom, has been virtually invisible in the offensive zone, and the team needs him to find his game if they've got any intentions of avoiding another early playoff exit.  

Backstrom struggled to score all season, registering just 18 goals and 65 points after posting over 100 a year ago.  His trademark vision and creativity have been missing for much of this season, and though he's played well in his own end, his inability to produce offensively is making things difficult for the Capitals.  

The first two games of the series showed that Washington isn't going to get goals easily, because Dwayne Roloson is playing like the goalie who took Edmonton to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006.  To make matters worse for the Caps, Tampa Bay's offensive horses have showed up to play, as Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos have been the team's best players.  

The Capitals entered this series as the overwhelming favorite, and though they've controlled the play for most of the weekend's games, they simply must score more goals if they're going to claw their way back into this series.  

That starts with the team's best players, which includes Backstrom.  Backstrom is the team's best offensive catalyst, and if he elevates his game, Alex Ovechkin's offensive production will increase.  

The talented young Swede is one of hockey's most dangerous playmakers when at the top of his game, and Washington needs him to regain his swagger and confidence, and fast.  

Washington's playoff hopes may depend on it.