Backstrom (illness) will not play Thursday against the Canucks, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom (illness) was questionable after not taking part in the morning skate, but with back-to-back games against the Oilers and the Flames this weekend, the coaching staff appears inclined to give the 29-year-old a night off the convalesce. Chandler Stephenson is expected to take his spot on the second line between Tom Wilson and T.J. Oshie.

Backstrom (illness) sat out the team's morning skate and is a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup in Vancouver.

EDGE Analysis

The star pivot was a full-participant in Wednesday's practice, so it's safe to surmise that Backstrom picked up the illness in the last 24 hours. A good indicator as to Backstrom's availability will be whether or not he takes the ice for warmups, unless of course official word has already been given by then. If Backstrom's unable to go, the recently recalled Chandler Stephenson will draw in to the lineup and serve as the Caps' No. 2 center.

Backstrom had a power-play assist in Friday's 4-3 OT win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

The Swedish pivot has had a blistering start to the 2017-18 campaign with three goals and 12 points in eight games -- placing him near the top of the league leaderboard for the Art Ross Trophy race. He may not keep up at this incredible pace all season, but he's a reliable playmaker and a must-start every night.

Backstrom extended his point streak to five games and 11 points with his third goal of the season in Saturday's 8-2 loss to the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was a surprising zero rating on the game which is pretty remarkable given the number of pucks surrendered by the Caps. Backstrom should be ridden hard.

Backstrom had a goal and three assists Friday in a 5-2 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

The Capitals' offense was on fire in Newark, and nobody was hotter than Backstrom. He was involved in all but one goal and had three points on the power play. At 10 points already this year, he's off to an outstanding start.

Contrary to a previous report, Backstrom will play Friday against the Devils, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The announcement that Backstrom was scratched from the lineup was evidently the result of an error on NHL.com's official roster report, but the Swedish pivot will evidently slot into his usual spot in the Capitals' top-six and first power-play unit against New Jersey. The 29-year-old pivot has enjoyed a great start to the campaign, racking up one goal and five assists through the first four games.

Backstrom (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup for Friday's game against the Devils, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature of Backstrom's issue remains a mystery, but the Capitals will have to try and find a way to generate offense without one of their best centers against Cory Schneider and the Devils on Friday. Washington should release an update Backstrom's status ahead of Saturday's game against the Flyers.

Backstrom had an assist in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old pivot is one of the more reliable playmakers in the league, and his four helpers in four games certainly bear that out. A fixture in Washington's top-six and a key cog in their potent power play, he's a must-start every night.

Backstrom assisted on Alex Ovechkin's goal in the third period of a 3-2 Wednesday loss to Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Playing with Ovechkin and being an outstanding talent yourself are a sure way to produce points. Backstrom has five assists to this point and looks on his way to another solid fantasy season.

Backstrom scored a goal and collected two power-play assists during Monday's 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has recorded a goal and four assists through his past two games and is clearly showing no signs of missing Alex Ovechkin on his wing at even strength. The 29-year-old center might actually benefit in the goals column by playing with T.J. Oshie and Andre Burakovsky, and Backstrom also remains locked in with Ovechkin on the No. 1 power-play unit. Expect another strong fantasy campaign from the reliable center.