Nicklas Backstrom will return to the ice for the Washington Capitals on Thursday after missing three games because of an unspecified upper-body injury.
Backstrom, who had otherwise remained healthy after missing the first three games of the season as he recovered from hip surgery, said he isn’t hesitant about returning for a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I feel like I’m 100 percent. I think it’s important, too, that you feel good before you come back because as I’ve said before, I mean, we clinched a playoff spot already, so there’s no need to rush back, but at the same time, you want to play a couple games before [the playoffs begin].”
Backstrom was hurt in the Capitals’ game against the Philadelphia Flyers last Wednesday and returned to practice on Monday with additional padding on his left elbow.
He and coach Barry Trotz had previously said playing in a game wouldn’t be possible until the medical staff could ensure that Backstrom was completely healthy.
“I mean, when you’re sitting out a couple games, you lose a little bit of the conditioning, I think, so it’s nice to get it back and make sure you get right back at it,” Backstrom said.
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The Capitals’ top-line center scored his 20th goal on March 28 in a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking his most goals in a season since he scored 33 in 2009-10. He entered Thursday’s game against the Penguins tied for 16th in the league with 67 points.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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