Nicklas Backstrom received a match penalty for a cross check to Boston forward Rich Peverley's face at the end of Monday's 4-3 loss in Game 3. He is automatically suspended pending a review by the league, but Washington coach Dale Hunter believes the NHL will overturn the ruling. Hunter said, "If you seen it, it was not that bad." Backstrom has notched a goal and an assist in three games for the Capitals against the Bruins, so the team cannot afford to lose him.

Nicklas Backstrom scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 double overtime victory on Saturday. Backstrom only returned from a concussion on March 31st and the Capitals are certainly grateful that he's healthy. Troy Brouwer accounted for Washington's other goal. Alex Ovechkin, Karl Alzner, and Marcus Johansson each registered an assist for Washington.

Nicklas Backstrom's goal Saturday night was his first since Dec. 30. Backstrom also recorded an assist in the victory to notch his first two-point game since Jan. 3. Backstrom continued his solid play and recorded his first points since returning from a 40-game absence because of a concussion. Backstrom also led the Capitals with three shots on goal Saturday night.

Nicklas Backstrom scored a goal and added an assist in a 4-1 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday night. Nicklas Backstrom continues to play strong while shouldering heavy minutes for the Washington Capitals, since returning from a major head injury. The return of Backstrom is most noticeable in star Alex Overchkin, who ended up scoring his 38th of the season in the victory.

Nicklas Backstrom finished with 19 minutes 40 seconds of ice time along with two shots on goal Saturday night after missing 40 games with a concussion. He also won 12 of 18 faceoffs and finished as with minus-1 rating. "It's a lot of pressure on yourself," Backstrom said. "Just trying to focus on playing simple in the beginning and it was a fun game to play. Lot of energy right from the get-go. That's good." "I've been thinking a lot about this game and if I'm ready or not. Couldn't really sleep before the game. So it's a little back and forth. But I tell you right now I made the right decision. I was happy to be back and I felt pretty good - even if I was a little rusty." Get him back in your lineup immediately if you haven't done so already.

Nicklas Backstrom was held pointless Saturday night in a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals welcomed back their star centre, but it took a shootout to beat the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night. With the Capitals clinging onto a playoff spot, Backstrom's return could not come any sooner. Despite being held pointless, it was only his first game after missing 40 straight.

The Washington Capitals will get Nicklas Backstrom (concussion) back on Saturday. Backstrom has missed 40 games since he was elbowed in the head by Rene Bourque. He is projected to play on a line with Alex Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson. Getting Backstrom back is a huge boost for the Capitals, who battling for one of the final playoff spots. "It's a big game for us and we need all those points," Backstrom said. "I'm excited to be back in such an important game."

Indications are growing that first-line center Nicklas Backstrom may return to the Washington Capitals as soon as tonight, when his team entertains the lowly Montreal Canadiens. Backstrom has missed 40 games since he was elbowed in the head by Rene Bourque, who will be in the Canadiens' lineup tonight. But, by all accounts, Backstrom, a 24-year-old Swede, has fared well physically since he began skating again on March 13. Over the past week, Backstrom's recovery made significant progress. First, he received clearance to take part in full-contact practices; he then passed a neuropsychological test, which is required by the NHL before he can play again.

Nicklas Backstrom (concussion) isn't sure if he'll play in Saturday's game against Montreal. "There's no target date," Backstrom said. "It depends how I feel. Everything is possible. It was possible I played in (Boston), too. It depends how I feel tomorrow, but it felt good out there. We'll see." Backstrom appears to be very close to returning, so fantasy owners that have held onto him might get a couple games out of Backstrom before the end of the season.

Nicklas Backstrom (concussion) will travel with his teammates to Boston for Thursday night's game to continue practicing, but he isn't expected to play. "Well, I'm close. I'm close to playing, I think," Backstrom said. "Obviously it takes a while to get back in normal shape. But we don't have too much time, either. I'm feeling good, I've been practicing good the last couple days; been pushing it a little bit, too." The Capitals center has taken big steps the past few days, but he doesn't believe that his game shape is where it needs to be just yet. Backstrom took part in an optional skate on Wednesday, with some teammates, and participated in battle drills.