Backes (face) appears doubtful to play Thursday against the Islanders, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Backes has missed practice each of the past two days while he continues to be in pain from the facial lacerations he suffered in Monday's tilt with the Panthers. Furthermore, coach Ken Hitchcock noted that Backes would be forced to wear a face shield for multiple games once he returns, which could come Saturday if he experiences enough healing over the next few days.