Backstrom (upper body) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Lightning, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed the past three games with an upper-body injury, but he was able to return to practice in a non-contact jersey this week. Despite his progress, the team decided that he will need some more practice before returning to game action. Although there's a chance he could return Saturday against the Red Wings, a more likely return date for Backstrom is Tuesday against San Jose.

Backstrom (upper body) skated in a non-contact jersey Wednesday, JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a step in the right direction for Backstrom, who will remain out of the lineup Wednesday. He'll likely need to go through a full contact session before getting back into game action, and the Capitals are hoping he's able to do that before the team's back-to-back set Friday against Tampa Bay and Saturday in Detroit.

Backstrom (upper body) won't be in the lineup against the Panthers on Wednesday, NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom will miss his third straight game due to his lingering upper-body issue. The center's continued absence should benefit Lars Eller, who has logged 21:17 of ice time per game in the Caps' previous two contests, which is three minutes more than his season average. In order to clear a spot on the roster for Nic Dowd (upper body), Backstrom may be placed on injured reserve retroactively, though that shouldn't affect his recovery timeline.

Backstrom (upper body) won't be in the lineup versus Vancouver on Saturday, NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was riding a three-game point streak prior to getting hurt, but he will miss his second straight contest due to an upper-body issue. The center's continued absence will see Lars Eller slotted into a second-line role in addition to joining the No. 1 power-play unit.

Backstrom will miss Wednesday's matchup with the Rangers due to an upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom picked up an assist in each of his previous three games, but he remains bogged down in a five-game goal drought. With the center unavailable, Lars Eller figures to move into both the second-line center role and a spot on the No. 1 power-play unit.

Backstrom notched a power-play assist, two shots on goal and a minus-3 rating in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has taken a step back this year, with 16 points through 21 games. He has eight points with the man advantage, but is also carrying a minus-5 rating after getting caught on the ice frequently Friday. The Swede is still a strong point producer, especially when he can feed the likes of Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson.

Backstrom scored twice in the third period Saturday to propel the Capitals to a 5-2 win over the Golden Knights. One goal came on the power play.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has 15 points, including four goals, in 18 games. But the goals were his first in 10 games. At this rate, Backstrom will tally points in the high 60s, but that would be his lowest total since 2012-12 (the lockout year). And his minus-2 rating so far is a bit odd for a career plus-118 pivot on the best team in the NHL. It bears watching, especially for a soon-to-be 32-year-old.

Backstrom tallied an assist and two shots during Thursday's 5-4 overtime win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom's 886th career point moved him ahead of Peter Forsberg for seventh place all-time among Swedish-born NHL players. The 32-year-old has posted 13 points in 17 games this campaign.

Backstrom tallied three assists (including one on the power play), two hits and two blocked shots during Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win against the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has registered a goal and seven points in his last seven games while averaging 20:23 of ice time. The 31-year-old is one of the more reliable fantasy producers around so keep rolling him out regularly.

Backstrom picked up an assist, three shots and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom's helper was the 649th of his career, moving him into fifth place for assists from Swedish players, passing Daniel Sedin. The 31-year-old center has been steady as always with nine points and 27 shots on goal in 11 games to start the 2019-20 campaign.