Head coach Barry Trotz is "optimistic" Backstrom (upper body) will be able to return at some point during the Eastern Conference finals, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom worked out Saturday, but didn't participate in any on-ice activities, which would seem to indicate he's not particularly close to returning to game action. Trotz's optimism that the Swedish pivot will be ready to return at some point during the Eastern Conference finals doesn't bode well for his availability for Game 2, but his status for that contest should be confirmed prior to puck drop Sunday evening.

Backstrom (upper body) isn't on the ice for pregame warmups, indicating he won't be in the lineup for Friday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom also missed Monday's Game 6 against the Penguins due to his upper-body injury, but the Capitals were able to pull out a series-clinching 2-1 victory in that contest, so they'll hope to have similar success without one of their best players on the ice again Friday. Lars Eller will continue to fill in on Washington's second line and top power-play unit until Backstrom is given the green light to return.

Backstrom (upper body) will be a game-time decision for Friday's Game 1 matchup against the Lightning, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom missed the decisive Game 6 contest versus the Penguins on Monday due to his upper-body injury and now it appears he could be watching from the press box Friday as well. If the center is unable to give it a go, Lars Eller is slated to replace him both on the second line and the power play. Prior to getting hurt, Backstrom racked up 13 points in his 11 postseason outings.

Backstrom (upper body) skated by himself Thursday on the eve of the Eastern Conference finals opener, The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The elite passing pivot traveled to Tampa Bay for Game 1 and coach Barry Trotz told reporters that Backstrom, who hasn't played in five days, has been working on his conditioning. "He's still getting some maintenance work, and we're trying to keep him conditioned," Trotz said. "We're doing that off-ice stuff and on the ice as well." At this point, Backstrom -- who's ranked 91st all-time with 590 career helpers and finished the regular season one point shy of 800 -- is questionable for the start of the next series and the same goes for teammate Andre Burakovsky, who's dealing with an upper-body injury of his own.

Backstrom (upper body) will make the trip to Tampa Bay for Game 1 on Friday, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Barry Trotz noted that Backstrom has been working out off the ice, but wouldn't say whether the 30-year-old will be ready to play in the Conference FInals opener on Friday. More updates are likely after Thursday's practice, but the Swedish center is day-to-day for the time being.

Backstrom (upper body) is out for Monday's Game 6 against the Penguins, Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a big loss for the Capitals, as Backstrom is a proven player who has had at least 20 goals and 50 assists in his last three campaigns. He also has 13 points in 11 playoff games. Washington will hope the Swede can return for Game 7 or, in case of a Game 6 win, the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Backstrom (upper body) will be a game-time decision for Monday's Game 6 clash with Pittsburgh, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was originally expected to play according to coach Barry Trotz, who appears to have taken a step back in regards to the center's availability. If the Swede is unable to suit up, Travis Boyd is slated to fill in him. The 29-year-old Backstrom has tallied five points in this series, so replacing him will be no easy task for Boyd.

Head coach Barry Trotz said Backstrom (upper body) is expected to be in the lineup, Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom exited in the third period and did not return. Trotz added that they will "see where he is tomorrow", but there seems to be guarded optimism that the 30-year-old Swede won't miss any time. However, the situation is fluid, so check back for updates before setting your fantasy lineups tomorrow.

Head coach Barry Trotz indicated Backstrom (upper body) was injured during Game 5 and will be re-evaluated Sunday, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom left in the third period having sustained a couple of blocked shots earlier in the game, but it is unclear exactly how he was injured. The Capitals can only hold their breath and hope he can recover before Monday's Game 6 in Pittsburgh, but keep posted for updates. The 30-year-old Swede has been a rock for the Capitals offense in the postseason with three goals and 13 points in 11 games so his absence would be a significant blow to a Washington team already without the services of Andre Burakovsky (upper body) and Tom Wilson (suspension).

Backstrom registered a power-play assist Thursday, but the Capitals lost Game 4 to the Penguins, 3-1.

EDGE Analysis

This Swedish pivot has been putting up elite assist totals since entering the league in 2007-08, and Backstrom now has 59 apples (eight on the power play) over 106 playoff games. As long he stays healthy and the Capitals stay alive in the postseason, No. 19 should continue to be a supreme fantasy option.