For the first time since injuring his right hand in Game 5 of the Washington Capitals second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nicklas Backstrom was out skating before the Capitals’ optional practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Thursday morning before the team boarded a plane for Tampa Bay.
While he didn’t join the rest of his teammates for the optional skate, Backstrom out skating is a good sign that he’s making progress. Backstrom did off-ice workouts on Wednesday.
Backstrom had a conditioning skate (Camp Nemo) with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish. He skated, passed some pucks and did some shooting.
Videos below via @dckerNBC4 (top) and the Washington Capitals Twitter account @Capitals (bottom)
Nicklas Backstrom skating this morning is a good sign for the #Caps #ALLCAPS @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/1apJEvBpXw
— dckerNBC4 (@dckerNBC4) May 10, 2018
.@backstrom19 takes the ice this morning for a solo skate before Caps practice #StanleyCup #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/KAciTXVHZK
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 10, 2018
When speaking to the media after the optional practice, Barry Trotz reiterated that Backstrom is day-to-day. We’ll see whether or not Backstrom is on the ice with his teammates tomorrow when the team takes the ice for their morning skate in Tampa prior to Game 1.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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Too many hand injuries with the current gloves. Either make the gloves better or stop blocking shots with the hands.
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