Backstrom was cleared for contact Wednesday, but is not expected to play Thursday, Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed the beginning of the season as he recovers from a hip injury, but looks closer and closer to returning. Coming into the season, he was due to miss four-to-five games and is on schedule to play after that initial period. When healthy, he's the engine that drives the Caps top-line with Alex Ovechkin and is a phenomenal passer on the power play.