Backstrom stayed home and missed practice yesterday because of an illness but should be good to go tonight.

Backstrom missed practice this morning with an illness and is questionable for tomorrow's game vs. Carolina. He has 1 G, 12 A and is a -2 in 17 games this season. Monitor his status tomorrow.

Draft as you would normally - it looks like Backstrom will enter camp with no injury.

The Capitals' attack - and your fantasy team - will certainly be affected if the season starts and Backstrom is unavailable.

The NHL announced today the cancellation of regular season games through December 14th and the All-Star Game. No further meetings are scheduled between the NHL and the NHLPA , but both sides are expected to touch base today. The NHL is expected to cancel more games any day now, so the prospects of playing meaningful hockey in 2012/13 are diminishing. Veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik has defiantly stated that much of the blame with the lockout lasting so long rest on the shoulders of NHLPA chief Donald Fehr, who should be fired if the entire 2012/13 is wiped out. The question remains whether a much more substantial percentage of NHLers feel the same way and how would this affect the negotiations moving forward. Stay tuned. Happy birthdays to Washington C Nicklas Backstrom, Anaheim C Saku Koivu, and Montreal RW Colby Armstrong! read more

No further meetings are scheduled between the NHL and the NHLPA , but both sides are expected to touch base today. The NHL is expected to cancel more games any day now, so the prospects of playing meaningful hockey in 2012/13 are diminishing. Veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik has defiantly stated that much of the blame with the lockout lasting so long rest on the shoulders of NHLPA chief Donald Fehr, who should be fired if the entire 2012/13 is wiped out. The question remains whether a much more substantial percentage of NHLers feel the same way and how would this affect the negotiations moving forward. Stay tuned. Happy birthdays to Washington C Nicklas Backstrom, Anaheim C Saku Koivu, and Montreal RW Colby Armstrong!

Backstrom will sit out Game 4 Thursday night because of his cross-check on Bruins forward Rich Peverly.

***IN THE SLOT*** FANTASY RECAP OF THE NHL NIGHT IN ACTION Washington 2- Tampa Bay 4: Steven Stamkos (2G/1A) put a crimp on Washington's playoff hopes with two late goals in the third period that broke the deadlock. Can anyone say 60 goals? ... Alex Semin had a goal and an assist in the losing effort. While he has a point in six of the last seven games, the winger has been a massive fantasy disappointment... Nicklas Backstrom was held scoreless for the second straight game since his return from a concussion. Edmonton 0- Los Angeles 2: Easy victory for Kings goaltender Jon Quick, who turned aside all 19 shots he faced for his tenth shutout of the season... D Slava Voynov scored the game-winning goal, his eighth of the season. Watch him in 2012/13. 40+ point potential.

Expect Backstrom to play on the top line tonight between Marcus Johansson and Alex Ovechkin. Sidelined since January 3rd with a concussion, the pivot scored 13 goals and 42 points on the season.

Backstrom continues to practice with the club and is an option to play tomorrow. Check back for a further update from the team.