Backes saw 16:31 worth of ice time (including 1:13 on the power play) in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Backes worked on the Bruins' fourth line Thursday, yet still finished second among the Bruins' forwards in terms of ice time. Wherever he plays in the lineup, the veteran forward will be counted on to provide leadership, physicality and secondary scoring. Through two games, Backes has logged two shots, two PIM and four hits.

Backes was responsible for three of the Bruins' 28 hits on the night while adding one shot on goal and a minor penalty.

EDGE Analysis

Backes came out even in plus-minus despite the Capitals winning 7-0, although he was part of his team's abysmal penalty kill that let up four powerplay goals on six chances. Backes will be expected to continue racking up the hits as the season continues after coming in fifth on the team in that category with 137 last season. He should also get chances to chip in on the offense while playing with Ryan Donato on the third line, and even saw 1:28 of playing time on the power play during Wednesday's loss.

Backes dropped 10 pounds this past offseason, Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 34-year-old forward hopes that trimming down some gives him a bit of extra speed to supplement his power game. Backes is coming off a 2017-18 season in which he logged 14 goals and 33 points in 57 games, and while top-six duty isn't likely on tap for him, the Bruins would certainly welcome an uptick in production from Backes, who's expected to anchor the team's third line.

Backes, who dealt with a number of issues and missed 25 games last year, is confident that he won't have a similar fate this coming season, NHL.com reports. "There's no doubt in my mind," he said. "I'd put money on it, that this year is better."

EDGE Analysis

This is exactly what Backes' fantasy owners want to hear after the veteran dealt with colon surgery, a lacerated leg, a three-game suspension for interference and even a concussion during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The versatile power forward will be entering his age-34 season with a chip on his shoulder based on his series of misfortunes from the 2017-18 campaign. He still added 14 goals and 19 assists to complement six power-play points over 57 games, so expect a safe floor of 20 points from Backes given that he's determined to play out the entire schedule in what will be his 13th NHL season.

It has been confirmed that Backes sustained a concussion in Game 5 of the Bruins' second-round playoff series against the Lightning, Matt Kalman of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston, Backes is still experiencing some concussion symptoms, but with the entire offseason ahead of him, the veteran power forward should be fine long before the Bruins' next campaign commences. The 34-year-old logged 14 goals and 33 points in 57 games this past season, numbers that don't quite match up with his $6 million salary. That said, Backes doesn't shortchange the Bruins in terms of grit, mental/physical toughness and leadership. He's under contract with the team for three more seasons and figures to mostly work on Boston's third line in 2018-19.

Backes (undisclosed) is not on the bench to start the third period of Sunday's Game 5 contest against the Lightning, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backes collided with Lightning forward J.T. Miller and needed to be helped off the ice and back to the locker room. The team later announced that he would miss the rest of the afternoon. Further updates his injury and its severity should be available after the game.

Backes logged an assist in 12:47 worth of ice time in Wednesday's series-clinching 7-4 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Backes finished up the series with two goals and three points in seven games, to go along with a minus-three rating. The 6-foot-3, 221-pounder heads into the Bruins' second-round series against the Lightning entrenched as a member of the team's third line. While he's not counted on to lead the charge offensively these days, the 33-year-old power forward can still provide secondary scoring, while bringing valued grit and leadership to the table for Boston.

Backes scored a goal Saturday during a 4-3 loss in Game 5 against Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

The tally was Backes' second goal of the series and although he's still searching for his first assist, he's provided a strong physical presence reeling off 17 hits throughout the first five games. With the acquisition of Rick Nash, Backes is now seemingly stuck on the third forward line which limits his offensive opportunities, but he still is coming out with the second power-play unit and averaging 2:08 of time on the man advantage per game. The veteran is no stranger to postseason play and recently reeled off 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 20 games during a 2015-16 run with St. Louis, and although those strong numbers are unlikely with him on the third line, Backes should continue to fill the scoresheet with his hits even if he's not pitching in points.

Backes recorded two assists during Sunday's 4-3 overtime loss to Philadelphia.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran has now collected three helpers through three games since returning from a leg injury March 27. Backes has only suited up for 53 contests this season, and his 12 goals and 19 assists probably aren't serviceable marks outside of deep settings. However, he has 51 PIM and 129 hits, so he carries more value in formats including those categories. It's also worth noting that Backes entered Sunday's game with an impressive 55.9 Corsi For percentage, so his real-world contributions to the Bruins in all facets of the game shouldn't be underestimated.

In his return to action in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Lightning, Backes (leg) saw 15:18 worth of ice time, including 1:50 on the power play.

EDGE Analysis

In the process, Backes logged three shots and four hits, while working on the Bruins' third line with Danton Heinen and Riley Nash. Look for that trio to remain intact for the time being, with the Bruins coming off a big win and Jake DeBrusk (upper body) set to return to action Saturday against the Panthers, rounding out the team's second line along with Ryan Donato and David Krejci. It's possible that future injuries or lineup shuffling could lead to Backes moving up in the lineup, but for now the veteran power forward will see bottom-six work, along with some man-advantage opportunities for the team.