Backstrom tallied a goal, an assist and three shots during Thursday's 6-4 win over the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom netted the opening goal for the Capitals to begin a solid start to the season. One of the most reliable playmakers in the league, the 33-year-old Swede needs only to improve his goal-scoring acumen to ascend into the upper tier of fantasy centers, and managers can only hope Thursday's effort was a sign of things to come.

Backstrom (concussion) had three shots and was minus-2 in Thursday's 4-0 loss to the Islanders in Game 5.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was back in the lineup for the first time since Game 1 but was largely ineffective in his 16:42 of ice time. In his defense, the entire Washington offense was silenced in the series clincher. The 32-year-old Backstrom had but a single assist in his five postseason games, with that lone point coming way back in the round-robin opener. He will enter the 2020-21 season needing just 73 points to reach 1,000 for his career.

Backstrom (concussion) will return to the lineup for Thursday's Game 5 matchup against the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was considered a game-time call for the pivotal matchup, but as evidenced by this news, the Swede will return to the lineup for the first time since Game 1. Now healthy, look for Backstrom to assume his usual second-line role while mixing in on the top power-play unit. He hasn't quite clicked in the bubble since the NHL restarted its season, however, garnering just one assist across 16:37 of average ice time. Considering his entrance back into the lineup, Brian Pinho will come out of the lineup and push Lars Eller into a third-line role.

Backstrom (concussion) will be a game-time call for Thursday's Game 5 against the Islanders, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has skated with the Capitals' extras for three consecutive days, so if he's able to join the main group for Thursday's morning skate, he'll have a great shot at returning to action for a must-win Game 5. The 32-year-old pivot has picked up one helper in four games thus far this postseason.

Backstrom (concussion) isn't on the ice for warmups and won't be a part of the lineup for Tuesday's Game 4 against the Islanders, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom will miss his third consecutive contest while dealing with the concussion. He took part in Monday's practice, however, he appears still in the league's concussion protocol. This is a tough break for the team and the Swede, especially considering the team is on the brink of elimination Tuesday. With Backstrom sidelined again, expect Lars Eller to continue to handle second-line center duties.

Backstrom (concussion) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's Game 4 against the Islanders, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has missed Washington's last two games while in the NHL's concussion protocol, but he skated Monday, and he was on the ice for Tuesday's morning skate, which suggests he'll have a real shot at returning to action in Game 4. That'd be a fantastic development for the Capitals, who are on the brink of elimination after dropping the first three games of the series to the Isles. Confirmation on Backstrom's status won't surface until pregame warmups, so fantasy players hoping to deploy him in daily lineups should plan accordingly.

Backstrom (concussion) was cleared to begin skating Monday, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was on the ice with the Capitals' Black Aces as the main roster was given the day off. If the center can be cleared for contact at Tuesday's game-day skate, there is a chance he could be available against the Islanders for Game 4. If he can't give it a go, Lars Eller figures to hold down the second-line center spot.

Backstrom (concussion) won't play in Sunday's Game 3 versus the Islanders, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom was able to practice, albeit in a limited capacity, Saturday, but he'll need more time before re-entering the lineup. The Capitals are in a tough position down 2-0 in the series, so Backstrom would be a major boost if he can return for Game 4. For the time being, Lars Eller will continue to center the second line.

Backstrom (concussion) joined his teammates on the ice toward the end of practice Saturday, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a bit disconcerting that Backstrom wasn't able to log a full practice, but his presence on the ice still represents a major step forward in his recovery. His status for Sunday's Game 3 likely won't be confirmed until the Capitals take the ice for pregame warmups, so fantasy players hoping to use the 32-year-old pivot in daily lineups should plan accordingly.

Backstrom is in the concussion protocol and will miss Game 2 versus the Islanders on Friday, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom has yet to score a goal during the postseason, picking up just one assist in four appearances. Fortunately for the Caps, Lars Eller (personal) will be available to slot into Backstrom's spot in the top six. Once cleared to play, the world-class center figures to retake his spot on the power play and should provide top-end fantasy value.