The Washington Capitals open their third-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning this evening, but they may be without one of their best players.
Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom did not participate in the Capitals’ morning skate on Friday. The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan believes he’s “doubtful” to play.
Backstrom is not on the ice for the morning skate.
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) May 11, 2018
Nicklas Backstrom (hand injury) is not on the ice for morning skate. We’ll see what Barry Trotz says, but think he’s doubtful to play.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 11, 2018
Lars Eller took Backstrom’s place on the second line and the first unit power-play during practice while Chandler Stephenson will center the team’s third line. The full lines can be seen here.
Trotz said afterwards that Backstrom will be a game-time decision for Game One.
Trotz said Backstrom and Burakovsky are game-time decision. Burakovsky certainly looked in.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 11, 2018
Backstrom, who owns the most playoff overtime game winners in franchise history, is working through a right-hand injury that he suffered while blocking a shot during Game Five against the Penguins.
The Swedish pivot missed Game Six and was spotted by NBC Sports cameras with his right hand wrapped up.
The Capitals were able to eliminate the Penguins regardless as Travis Boyd stepped into the lineup.
Backstrom flew with the team to Tampa and was able to stickhandle and skate around before the team’s optional skate Thursday.
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