When the Washington Capitals took the ice for morning skate Sunday at Amalie Arena prior to Game 2, an important component of their lineup was back on the ice. Nicklas Backstrom has missed the last two playoff games due to an upper-body, right hand injury that he suffered in Game 5 of the second round against the Penguins.
Backstrom had done some workouts off the ice this past week and did some solo skating before Thursday’s optional practice. On Saturday, Capitals coach Barry Trotz was optimistic that Backstrom will return this series and there was even a photo of Backstrom on Friday before Game 1 of him entering the arena without a cast.
#SlickNick bandage doesn’t look too hefty. Appears to be no cast. (📸 Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/WmjdP4Ej6p
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) May 12, 2018
Another encouraging sign took place Sunday morning. Backstrom took the ice in a normal red contact jersey (videos via Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington).
We’ll see how much Backstrom is able to do. But either way, it’s a positive development. #Caps pic.twitter.com/KDVYejzwzl
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) May 13, 2018
Backstrom didn’t take any line rushes nor partake in special teams work but did some stick handling on the side. Additionally, Backstrom did some shooting. Lars Eller was in Backstrom’s usual spot on the second line and first power play unit.
Backstrom is getting in some reps but doesn’t seem to be going 100-percent. This is his first time in a team setting since getting hurt in Game 5 last round. He’s missed the last two games. #Caps#CapsBoltspic.twitter.com/zVuMMZfI1U
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) May 13, 2018
Backstrom remained on the ice after the team left for some extra conditioning. However, Backstrom did not take the scratch’s skate.
Backy’s back skating with the boys for Game 2 Morning Skate. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/xKc3Bjw9Z5
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 13, 2018
Trotz told the media after the skate that Backstrom will be a game-time decision. While it remains to be seen whether or not he will play in Game 2, just seeing him back out there on the ice with his teammates is an encouraging sign.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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