Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom left the third period of last night’s Game 5 with an upper-body injury. After the game, Barry Trotz said he’ll be further evaluated on Sunday. With the team having a well-deserved day off after a big win, Trotz spoke to the media on Sunday afternoon and gave an update on Backstrom.
Trotz said that Backstrom is taking a maintenance day and will travel with the team to Pittsburgh. Trotz also said that Backstrom is expected to play.
Barry Trotz on #Caps center Nicklas Backstrom: maintenance day. Will travel to Pittsburgh. Trotz expects Backstrom to play.
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) May 6, 2018
However, Trotz also dropped in “we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”
Trotz also did say “we’ll see where (Backstrom) is” tomorrow. So read those tea leaves as you wish. #Caps
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) May 6, 2018
Backstrom blocked a shot with his hand in the first period at 7:36 from a slapshot by Justin Schultz. After that block, he stopped taking face-offs for the rest of the game.
12:23 left in the 1st period. backstrom blocked a shot from schultz. looks like it might have hit his hand. he didn’t take any faceoffs after that. pic.twitter.com/mB3a84UyWG
— b. (@hoosierbea) May 6, 2018
Per Ben Raby of the Capitals Radio Network, Backstrom has played in 107 of the Capitals’ 108 playoff games since 2008 and never missed a playoff game due to injury. He only missed Game 4 of the Caps first round series against the Bruins back in 2012 due to a one-game suspension.
By Michael Marzzacco
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