GMGM had no real update on Backstrom, who is still riding stationary bike. #Caps still waiting for him to feel well enough to skate.
No news is clearly bad news on the Backstrom front. He remains out indefinitely so plan without him.
Washington Capitals News
Just spoke with Nicklas Backstrom. Seems in good spirits but still no idea when he'll be back. #Caps
Still no progress or timetable for Backstrom. The entire situation is frustrating for fans, teammates and most importantly fantasy hockey owners.
Not great news day for #Caps, re: Backstrom
Backstrom still hasn't resumed hockey activity as he is sidelined indefinitely with a concussion. Don't expect him back any time soon.
New #NYR lines at practice: Rupp-Mitchell-Hagelin
The rookie Hagelin moves down to the fourth line. The speedy winger has eight goals and 19 points in 31 games.
For everyone who is asking, no, there is no updates on Backstrom. #Caps
No news is bad news in the case of Backstrom as he still has not resumed skating. He has no timeline for his return which should continue to worry fantasy hockey owners.
#Caps practice lines: Ovechkin-Johansson-Semin
Ovechkin has served his suspension and will play tomorrow night against the Canadiens. The superstar has 20 goals and 39 points through 47 games. Expect him to take his usual turn on the top line.
#Caps coach Dale Hunter says Nicklas Backstrom didn't skate at all over the NHL All-Star break.
Doesn't sound like Backstrom will return to the lineup any time soon. The Caps' star center has been sidelined since taking an elbow to the head from Calgary Flames winger Rene Bourque.
Three game suspension for Alexander Ovechkin.
Ovechkin is eligible to play again on February 4th.
Backstrom won't be available to media today. Didn't take any shots. Wasn't going at anything close to full speed. Just some stickhandling
Backstrom gets back onto the ice for the first time since his concussion. While we certainly don't expect him to play before the All-Star Game, he certainly took the first step towards his recovery.
#Caps GMGM said "not necessarily" on keeping 19 out until after the all-star break "whenever he's ready to get going we'll get him going"
The Caps will continue to take it slow with their top-line center. Their main goal at this point remains preventing another concussion. He scored 13 goals and 42 points in 38 games before getting hurt.
Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik
Hagelin starts tonight's game on the top line. The speedy winger has seven goals and 13 points over his first 25 NHL games.
#Caps DH32 on Backstrom "One of those things, day-to-day, we have to wait and see"
Backstrom still is not skating and remains out indefinitely with a concussion. The next step for him would be light workouts and getting back on the ice.
Carl Hagelin with Richards/Callahan in warmups
Hagelin moves up to the top line. The rookie has seven goals and 12 points in 23 games. He should produce better on a scoring line.
Backstrom and Green both out tonight. They were sent back to DC today. See more on my timeline.
Backstrom misses his second consecutive game tonight.
Backstrom still not on the ice
Backstrom is a game-time decision for tonight's game despite not taking today's morning skate. Considering the Caps play after every other team tonight, it might make sense to start an alternate center.
Backstrom says he feels good. Believes he would be ready to play tmrw but it's up to #caps trainers.
Check back for a further update on the top-line center.
Same Rangers lineup tonight, so that means Hagelin's shoulder is in fact OK.
Hagelin took a spill in last night's game but should be OK to play tonight. The rookie has seven goals and 11 points through his first 20 NHL games.
“I felt pretty good out there. I'm just following all the steps that has to be made,” an upbeat Backstrom said. “I'm doing what they tell me to do, so we'll see.”
Sounds like the Caps dodged a bullet. He currently leads the team with 42 points in 38 games.
Nicklas Backstrom told reporters he'll make the trip to California. #caps
Backstrom should play on the road trip. The top line center is suffering from a mild concussion/migraine.
T.J. Oshie just did his pre-practice cardio & is off the ice. Hitch said they want to preserve his hands.
Oshie has been playing through a wrist injury which has nagged him most of the season. Regardless, the team is hopeful he can stay on the ice.
