Backes (suspension) will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Backes received a three-game ban for his late hit to the head of Detroit's Frans Nielsen last Tuesday, but he's served his time and will be back in action. The veteran winger is lasted to retake his spot centering the second line alongside Jake DeBrusk and David Pastrnak and should also regain his spot on the power play.

Backes was handed a three-game suspension for interference Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Backes was penalized for delivering a very late hit to the head of Detroit's Frans Nielsen in Tuesday's contest. Nielsem was forced to leave the game, and according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Nielsen will miss at least two games with what's being called an upper-body injury. Backes is eligible to return Tuesday in Carolina, but in the meantime, Boston will be without a member of their top power-play unit and No. 3 center while already thin in the middle of the ice with Patrice Bergeron (broken foot) currently sidelined. Noel Acciari will likely enter the lineup in Backes' absence, though who's tasked with replacing Backes' role in the lineup remains to be seen.

Backes collected two assists -- one on the power play -- during Tuesday's 5-2 win over Calgary.

EDGE Analysis

While this was the veteran's first multi-point showing of 2018, Backes now sports a three-game point streak with a goal and four assists. He's having a bit of a throwback campaign with 10 tallies and 15 helpers through 38 games, and his 106 shots, 27 PIM, 93 PIM and plus-4 rating are solid peripheral statistics. Still, Backes is more of a supporting piece than a go-to fantasy asset.

Backes indicated that he's fine after being evaluated for a head injury in the third period of Tuesday's loss to the Ducks, Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backes skated on line with Peter Cehlarik and Riley Nash at practice Wednesday, a trio that should remain intact Thursday against the Blues, with Anders Bjork dealing with an upper-body injury. Backes has not recorded a point over his last three games, but overall he's logged eight goals and 19 points in 31 contests this season, while providing the Bruins with valuable grit and leadership.

Backes, who left Tuesday's game against the Ducks with an unspecified issue, was on the ice for Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Meanwhile, teammates Noel Acciari and Anders Bjork were not out there Wednesday and with the team having only recalled one forward (Peter Cehlarik) after both Backes and Bjork were banged up Tuesday, it appears as though Backes has a solid shot to play Thursday night against the Blues.

Backes (undisclosed) left Tuesday's game against the Ducks and didn't return.

EDGE Analysis

Backes left after taking a high hit from Nick Ritchie, but the Bruins had no updates after the game. The veteran winger has one goal and four points in 10 games since the new year, but he fired 28 shots on goal in that span and posted a plus-3 rating. With Anders Bjork (upper body) leaving Tuesday's game as well, the Bruins are seriously skimp at forward, so expect more recalls before Thursday's game against the Blues.

Backes finished Saturday's 4-3 win over the Canadiens with five hits.

EDGE Analysis

While he failed to register a point Saturday, Backes delivered his highest hit total (five) since Dec. 14. Backes has heated up nicely lately, as evidenced by his 10 points in the last eight games. That said, the American veteran is a long way off the pace of his usual 200-plus hits and 20-plus goals, but there's room for him in most every format while he's hitting the scoresheet with regularity.

Backes delivered two power-play assists in Saturday's 5-0 win over Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Most importantly, it was Backes' fourth consecutive, two-point game. His game is so hot you could fry an egg on it.

Backes potted a pair of goals in Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Backes gave his team a 1-0 lead in the first period and a 3-2 lead in the third, but both were ultimately squandered. The veteran power forward is playing his best hockey of the season to close out the calendar year, with multi-point outings in each of his past three appearances.

Backes scored his fifth goal of the season and added an assist in Wednesday's win over Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Backes was also credited with five shots on goal in the victory. The second-line winger has had a disappointing season, but he's starting to heat up with three goals and seven points in his last five games. A lethal combination of physical play and scoring ability makes him worth owning in many fantasy settings. Considering he missed almost all of November due to a battle with diverticulitis, Backes could be worth scooping up if he continues this strong play. Keep an eye out.