Ex-Caps coach Bruce Boudreau has words for Ovechkin and Backstrom

It was a milestone marker for two of the greatest players in franchise history on Tuesday night in northern Canada, as longtime Washington Capitals forwards Alex Ovechkin and Niklas Backstrom both appeared in their 1,000th career game. 

And there are few who know the dynamic duo better than their former head coach in Bruce Boudreau. Currently the bench boss of the Vancouver Canucks, Boudreau is well aware of the magic that the pair can create on the ice together. 

“Opposites attract," Boudreau said ahead of Washington's visit to Rogers Place later tonight. 

“There would be times when Nick would roll his eyes when Ovi would be doing stuff, but in the end, they knew where their bread was buttered,” Boudreau continued. “They know each other better than two guys know anybody, and so it always came back to them. Just two amazing players.”

Boudreau is currently authoring a similar story in Vancouver as he did with the Capitals, having been promoted to the position of head coach with both organizations after they gave the pink slip to mid-season to his predecessors. Boudreau led the Capitals to the 2009-10 President's Trophy title with an absolutely explosive offensive attack, but they were stunned in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the upstart Montreal Canadiens. 

Of course, the last time the Capitals and Canucks got together, Ovechkin tallied, and Boudreau had a message for him. 

 “He looked at me and I said ‘no more!’,” recalled Boudreau.

With Ovechkin's next goal, he'll move into sole possession of 3rd most in NHL history, having tied the mark of 766 set by Jaromir Jagr on Tuesday night. Boudreau was hoping to see the Russian star score the milestone goal on Wednesday night against the Oilers. 

“I was really hoping he’d score last night," Boudreau said.