Backstrom scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom missed time to injury, but he simple picked up where he left off prior to his absence. And that's scoring -- he's in the midst of a six-game, eight-point scoring streak (two goals, six assists). Backstrom sits with 23 points in 26 games this season, which is remarkably consistent with his annual production. This guy just never slows down. Make sure he's back in your lineup.

Backstrom scored a goal and an assist in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

The 32-year-old had missed the prior eight games with an upper-body injury, but Backstrom showed no rust in his return and his chemistry with Alex Ovechkin was as strong as ever, as the duo assisted on each other's tallies. Backstrom actually has a four-game point streak going dating back to Nov. 15, and on the year he has five goals and 20 points in 24 contests.

Backstrom (upper body) is expected to play in Monday's game against the Blue Jackets, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed the past eight games with the upper-body issue, and he was a full participant for Sunday's practice session. The 28-year-old has been solid this season despite injury, racking up four goals and 18 points in 23 games. Now healthy, the Swede is expected to center the top line for Monday's game between Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson.

Backstrom (upper body) is set to miss Friday's matchup with Anaheim, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom will be sidelined for an eighth consecutive contest due to his upper-body issue. In 23 games, the 31-year-old has notched four goals, 14 helpers and 54 shots while averaging 19:41 of ice time. Lars Eller will continue to slot into a top-six role while Backstrom's sidelined.

Backstrom (upper body) is ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom will miss his seventh straight game, and Lars Eller is expected to center the second line again. Considering Backstrom was a game-time decision for this contest, it appears he has a good shot to play Friday against the Ducks.

Backstrom (upper body) will be a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed six games with the injury. If he's able to play against the Kings, Travis Boyd or Nic Dowd could end up as a healthy scratch. Backstrom participated in practice Monday, which indicates he's close to returning. The Capitals won't have a morning skate Wednesday, so the Swede's status will be up in the air until coach Todd Reirden meets with the media.

Backstrom (upper body) won't play Tuesday against the Sharks, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom will miss a sixth straight contest, but he returned to practice as a full participant Monday, so he's definitely on the verge of rejoining the lineup. The 32-year-old pivot could return as soon as Wednesday against L.A.

Backstrom (upper body) is not likely to play Tuesday against the Sharks, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has practiced fully in recent days, but the Capitals are going to give him a little more time to get right before returning, which could be as early as Wednesday against the Kings. Lars Eller will continue to man the second-line center spot between Jakub Vrana and T.J. Oshie in the interim.

Backstrom (upper body) practiced in a full contact jersey Monday, Mike Vogel of the Capitals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom's full practice Monday bodes well for his chances of returning Tuesday in San Jose, but confirmation of his status should arrive prior to puck drop. The Swede's owners will want to get Backstrom in the lineup as soon as he returns, as he's recorded a respectable 18 points through 23 games played.

Backstrom (upper body) won't play in Saturday's game against the Red Wings, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was considered a long shot since he didn't play in Friday's win over the Lightning, as the team wants to test how he responds to contact in practice first. The Swedish center's next chance to play will be Tuesday against the Sharks, so he'll have ample opportunities to prove his health before then.