Nicklas Backstrom News

Backstrom will not skate this morning and is considered a game-time decision due to illness. Nic Dowd would likely draw into the Capitals lineup to replace Backstrom if he can’t go.

Backstrom missed the Capitals morning skate and is questionable for tonight's game with an illness. Monitor Backstrom's status when the Capitals hit the ice for warmups at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Backstrom has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, but will return tonight vs. the Penguins. Backstrom has had a strong season, picking up 20 goals and 47 assists (67 points) in 73 games. He has been a point per game player in four games against Pittsburgh—picking up one goal and three assists.

Backstrom will miss his third consecutive game with an upper-body injury. Backstrom remains day-to-day and doesn’t appear to be in any danger of missing playoff time with this injury. With Backstrom out, Marcus Johansson is expected to remain on the top-line.

Backstrom left after playing just 14:35 (averages 19:16) and did not return to the Capitals’ bench after leaving. Because the Capitals have a back-to-back, Backstrom’s status for Thursday’s game is up in the air. They won’t have a morning skate, so expect an update closer to puck-drop.

Backstrom missed the first three games of the season while rehabbing his surgically repaired hip. He has been practicing for over a week and is ready to return to the lineup tonight vs. the Hurricanes. Backstrom is coming off of a season in which he recorded 18 goals and 60 assists (78 points) in 82 games.

Backstrom, who returned to practice on Monday, has been cleared for full contact which is a great sign that the Capitals’ centre is nearing a return to the lineup. Backstrom is not expected to play tomorrow, but he could be back on Saturday vs. the Hurricanes. Monitor his status heading into the weekend.

Backstrom took part in some battle drills this morning, but hasn’t officially been cleared for contact. He is expect to meet with his surgeon this week and that will determine how much longer he will be out. Expect an update later in the week.

The Capitals had previously said that Backstrom was expected to play at some point during the first 10 games of the season, but Barry Trotz said today that Backstorm will miss at least the first four games. This early in the season, the Capitals will not rush their star centre back into action and risk getting him more injured.