After leaving Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury, Backstrom did not practice on Wednesday, but has rejoined his teammates this morning. The Capitals are back in action on Saturday, so barring a setback it looks like Backstrom should be good-to-go. Monitor his status as Saturday's clash with the Bruins approaches.

After being injured on Tuesday in a big collision with Drew Doughty, Backstrom will miss no time and play on Saturday. Backstrom has two goals and 12 assists (14 points) in his last 14 games. His 57 assists ranks third in the NHL and his 70 points is good for 12th.

Backstrom was upended by Kings defenseman Drew Doughty in the second period. He headed down the tunnel after the hit and did not return. Coach Adam Oates said Backstrom was not undergoing concussion protocol testing and reiterated that the 26-year-old suffered an upper-body injury. A serious injury to Backstrom would devastate the Capitals who continue to push for the playoffs.

To our dear faithful, I am struggling with the flu so here are some random fantasy thoughts from last night's games: In his second straight start for Minnesota, Ilya Bryzgalov turned out an expected "stinker" against the New Jersey Devils. For those fantasy owners who actually scooped him up, he will break your hearts. The Wild will go back to Darcy Kuemper for their next game. In his first game back to Jersey since his trade to the Wild, Zach Parise notched a goal and fired 6 shots. With 9 points in the last 10 games, he is playing inspired hockey right now. You gotta love Adam Henrique, who has come back to life for the Devils with three more assists last night, giving him 14 points in the last 11 games. Plenty of fantasy value at the moment. Buffalo's Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford are not going away quietly. They each picked up a point last night in Buffalo's 3-1 road win over Edmonton, giving them close to point-per-game numbers over the last 20 or so games. Pretty decent sample size, so why are both available in my Super Terrific fantasy hockey league? Gustav Nyquist won't quit scoring for Detroit, piling up more points last night with a goal and an assist. With 37 points in 44 games, the talented Swede should be breaking out in a big way next season. Don't let him slip too far in your drafts. Where have you been Ales Hemsky?? Invisible for several years in Edmonton, the talented winger is making quite a mark in Ottawa with 8 points in 7 games. His line-mates are also clicking, as Jason Spezza has 11 and Milan Michalek has 6 over that span. Poor "Timmy T".. After a promising start, goaltender Tim Thomas has lost three straight starts for Dallas. The Stars need Kari Lehtonen back to stellar form in a big way. Keep a "look-out" for Washington's Evgeni Kuznetsov, who has been playing on a second line with Nicklas Backstrom and has accrued 5 assists in 6 games. Minimal power-play time for now, but we see this kid's fantasy stock ready to explode if he clicks with his countryman Alex Ovechkin. Fantasy gold in keeper leagues Two helpers for Pittsburgh's James Neal, which is more of what we expect from the high-scoring left winger. He looks fully recovered from his concussion, so make sure he is starting ASAP.

To our dear faithful, I am struggling with the flu so here are some random fantasy thoughts from last night's games: In his second straight start for Minnesota, Ilya Bryzgalov turned out an expected "stinker" against the New Jersey Devils. For those fantasy owners who actually scooped him up, he will break your hearts. The Wild will go back to Darcy Kuemper for their next game. In his first game back to Jersey since his trade to the Wild, Zach Parise notched a goal and fired 6 shots. With 9 points in the last 10 games, he is playing inspired hockey right now. You gotta love Adam Henrique, who has come back to life for the Devils with three more assists last night, giving him 14 points in the last 11 games. Plenty of fantasy value at the moment. Buffalo's Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford are not going away quietly. They each picked up a point last night in Buffalo's 3-1 road win over Edmonton, giving them close to point-per-game numbers over the last 20 or so games. Pretty decent sample size, so why are both available in my Super Terrific fantasy hockey league? Gustav Nyquist won't quit scoring for Detroit, piling up more points last night with a goal and an assist. With 37 points in 44 games, the talented Swede should be breaking out in a big way next season. Don't let him slip too far in your drafts. Where have you been Ales Hemsky?? Invisible for several years in Edmonton, the talented winger is making quite a mark in Ottawa with 8 points in 7 games. His line-mates are also clicking, as Jason Spezza has 11 and Milan Michalek has 6 over that span. Poor "Timmy T".. After a promising start, goaltender Tim Thomas has lost three straight starts for Dallas. The Stars need Kari Lehtonen back to stellar form in a big way. Keep a "look-out" for Washington's Evgeni Kuznetsov, who has been playing on a second line with Nicklas Backstrom and has accrued 5 assists in 6 games. Minimal power-play time for now, but we see this kid's fantasy stock ready to explode if he clicks with his countryman Alex Ovechkin. Fantasy gold in keeper leagues Two helpers for Pittsburgh's James Neal, which is more of what we expect from the high-scoring left winger. He looks fully recovered from his concussion, so make sure he is starting ASAP.

Welcome folks, it's that time of the week again. This week's edition of SMC is being brought to you by 'Steve' as Ray gets the day off. Let's start by handing out major kudos to Jaromir Jagr and Alex Oveckin for their milestone moments last night. JJ gets his 700th goal. AO gets his 800th point. Future fantasy hockey Hall of Famers for sure! Is there a better big-game player than Jonathan Toews? He absolutely dominated in Chicago's 6-1 romp of Pittsburgh at Soldier Field. A game of huge stars dominated by one. Eddie Lack is projected to start the Heritage Classic for Vancouver. How much more disrespect can Roberto Luongo take? You think Marty St. Louis is playing with a chip on his shoulders since returning from Sochi? Four goals in the last two games, while apparently making it clear he wants out. If he stays put and Stamkos gets back soon, they should be the best fantasy forward tandem over the last 20 games or so. Phil Kessel has made James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak very fantasy relevant this season. Just like he did for Joffrey Lupul last year. In Steve Mason we trust? The Flyer's starting goalie had a 7-goal clunker sandwiched between 2 great wins against Colorado and the New York Rangers. So much for Team Russia's meltdown and a IOC suspension slowing them down... Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are on "fire" for the Washington Capitals. Fantasy owners should enjoy the ride. Looking for a nice sleeper goalie with solid starting fantasy value? Darcy Kuemper that's who. It's looking less likely that Minnesota will be trading for a goalie by the deadline. If Johan Franzen can stay healthy for Detroit, he will put up big numbers with Henrik Zetterberg out. Big "IF" though.. Is Alex Semin hurt again? What else is new? Will Daniel Sedin ever score again? Tortorella's defensive scheme is "kryptonite" to the fantasy values of offensive stars. I am loving Jarome Iginla as solid fantasy option the rest of the way. The Olympic Break has done the 36-year old plenty of good. He has great chemistry with Krejci and Lucic. He is also perennially a second-half stud. Do you need anymore evidence? Now, speaking of second-half duds, hopefully many Kyle Okposo owners "sold high" when the news of JT's season-ending injury broke out. His numbers are about to get even worse if Vanek is dealt soon. Under Paul Maurice, Winnipeg goalie Ondrej Pavelec is very startable in all fantasy formats. Those poor Edmonton Oilers.. All these claims of incredible offensive ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...