Player of the Week - Dec. 7

Nicklas Backstrom has 33 points in 29 games this season. (Getty Images)

The Hockey News player of the week for the period of Nov. 30-Dec. 6 is Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom.

The Caps won all three games on the week, downing Carolina 3-2, Florida 6-2 and Philadelphia 8-2.

In the first game, Backstrom logged 22:05 of ice time and notched three points – two of which were goals. With a plus-2 rating and four shots on goal, Backstrom also notched the game-winner over the Canes.

For the remaining two games on the docket, Backstrom and the Caps were without superstar Alex Ovechkin, who was injured and serving a two-game suspension. Nonetheless, Backstrom recorded a goal against the Panthers in 21:33 of ice time on Thursday, but saved his best performance for last.

In the destruction of the Flyers, Backstrom led the way, recording yet another goal and adding four helpers in 19:50 of ice time. With three power play points and two shots on the night, Backstrom brought his weekly tally to four goals, nine points and a plus-four rating on the week.

The Caps currently stand 18-5-6, good enough for first place in the conference, one point ahead of Pittsburgh with a game in hand. Backstrom has 33 points in 29 games himself, which places him tied for eighth in league scoring.