Nicklas Backstrom (concussion) will travel with his teammates to Boston for Thursday night's game to continue practicing, but he isn't expected to play. "Well, I'm close. I'm close to playing, I think," Backstrom said. "Obviously it takes a while to get back in normal shape. But we don't have too much time, either. I'm feeling good, I've been practicing good the last couple days; been pushing it a little bit, too." The Capitals center has taken big steps the past few days, but he doesn't believe that his game shape is where it needs to be just yet. Backstrom took part in an optional skate on Wednesday, with some teammates, and participated in battle drills.