When the Washington Capitals took the ice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex for their first practice in preparation for the third round, there was one notable player absent: Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom left in the third period in Game 5 of the second round with an upper-body right hand injury from blocking a shot but still traveled with the team to Pittsburgh for the series clincher. 

Backstrom didn’t partake in that morning skate and was listed as a game-time decision. When the Capitals came off the bus and headed into PPG Paints Arena, Backstrom was wearing a cast over his right hand. He did not take the ice with the team for warmups and was ruled out.

On Wednesday morning, Backstrom didn’t practice with his teammates and when the session was over, coach Barry Trotz gave an update on their center. Trotz said that Backstrom is still day-to-day and has done some off-ice workouts and therapy. While Trotz didn’t indicate on whether he will practice tomorrow or play in Game 1, Trotz did say that he’ll travel with the team to Tampa.

Barry Trotz said;

Nicklas Backstrom is day to day. He’s been working out and getting therapy. Wouldn’t say specifically that Backstrom will practice tomorrow or play on Friday, but he will travel to team to Tampa.

Andre Burakovsky also is day to day and will go to Tampa.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 9, 2018

By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo

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As a reminder, in honor of Saint Nick's game winner yesterday, please make sure you hug a Swede today! 🇸🇪👑 #ALLCAPS #RockTheRed #LetsGoCaps #Caps #Capitals #NicklasBackstrom

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