Backstrom (hip) was on the ice in Thursday's morning skate, but is not likely to be in the lineup later in the evening against the Blackhawks, CSN's Chuck Gormley reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is consistent with an earlier report, informing the hockey world that Backstrom has been cleared for contact, but is not expected to be on the ice for the home game. When healthy, Backstrom should once again get ample offensive opportunities with Alex Ovechkin on the team's first line and power play.