Backstrom is still in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, so he won't be available for Sunday's matchup with LA, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom remains without a definite timeline for a return, as he'll need to submit two negative COVID-19 tests before rejoining the lineup. Lars Eller will likely continue to center the Capitals' top line as long as Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov remain in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols.