Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom missed four huge playoff games after blocking a shot during Game Five of the Penguins series. Backstrom sat out a handful of practices before returning for Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final.
Backstrom is as tough as they come so to miss that many games during crunch time means the injury must have been significant and painful.
That appears to be the case.
Video
After the Capitals became Eastern Conference Champions, Backstrom unintentionally showed off his injury. We’re not doctors, but it appears Backstrom has a broken index finger on his right hand. It’s massively swollen and purple.
Backstrom’s hand appears at the :58 and 2:37 mark when he reaches up to wipe sweat away from his face.
The known extent of his injury is “upper body” and he has been spotted wearing a wrap on his right hand.
Backstrom has also avoided shaking hands or participating in fist bumps with his right hand. During the handshake line with Tampa, Backstrom used his left hand to congratulate Lightning players on a job well done.
Since returning, Backstrom has three points (one goal, two assists) in four games. So he’s producing despite what amounts to be a pretty gross injury.
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