#Caps practice lines: Ovechkin-Johansson-Semin
Ovechkin has served his suspension and will play tomorrow night against the Canadiens. The superstar has 20 goals and 39 points through 47 games. Expect him to take his usual turn on the top line.
Washington Capitals News
#Caps coach Dale Hunter says Nicklas Backstrom didn't skate at all over the NHL All-Star break.
Doesn't sound like Backstrom will return to the lineup any time soon. The Caps' star center has been sidelined since taking an elbow to the head from Calgary Flames winger Rene Bourque.
Three game suspension for Alexander Ovechkin.
Ovechkin is eligible to play again on February 4th.
Backstrom won't be available to media today. Didn't take any shots. Wasn't going at anything close to full speed. Just some stickhandling
Backstrom gets back onto the ice for the first time since his concussion. While we certainly don't expect him to play before the All-Star Game, he certainly took the first step towards his recovery.
#Caps GMGM said "not necessarily" on keeping 19 out until after the all-star break "whenever he's ready to get going we'll get him going"
The Caps will continue to take it slow with their top-line center. Their main goal at this point remains preventing another concussion. He scored 13 goals and 42 points in 38 games before getting hurt.
Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik
Hagelin starts tonight's game on the top line. The speedy winger has seven goals and 13 points over his first 25 NHL games.
#Caps DH32 on Backstrom "One of those things, day-to-day, we have to wait and see"
Backstrom still is not skating and remains out indefinitely with a concussion. The next step for him would be light workouts and getting back on the ice.
Carl Hagelin with Richards/Callahan in warmups
Hagelin moves up to the top line. The rookie has seven goals and 12 points in 23 games. He should produce better on a scoring line.
Backstrom and Green both out tonight. They were sent back to DC today. See more on my timeline.
Backstrom misses his second consecutive game tonight.
Backstrom still not on the ice
Backstrom is a game-time decision for tonight's game despite not taking today's morning skate. Considering the Caps play after every other team tonight, it might make sense to start an alternate center.
Backstrom says he feels good. Believes he would be ready to play tmrw but it's up to #caps trainers.
Check back for a further update on the top-line center.
Same Rangers lineup tonight, so that means Hagelin's shoulder is in fact OK.
Hagelin took a spill in last night's game but should be OK to play tonight. The rookie has seven goals and 11 points through his first 20 NHL games.
“I felt pretty good out there. I'm just following all the steps that has to be made,” an upbeat Backstrom said. “I'm doing what they tell me to do, so we'll see.”
Sounds like the Caps dodged a bullet. He currently leads the team with 42 points in 38 games.
Nicklas Backstrom told reporters he'll make the trip to California. #caps
Backstrom should play on the road trip. The top line center is suffering from a mild concussion/migraine.
T.J. Oshie just did his pre-practice cardio & is off the ice. Hitch said they want to preserve his hands.
Oshie has been playing through a wrist injury which has nagged him most of the season. Regardless, the team is hopeful he can stay on the ice.
Fedotenko-Boyle-Hagelin
Hagelin moves back down to the third line after playing with Brad Richards over the last handful of games. The speedy winger has seven goals and 11 points through 19 games.
Test done and the dr couldn't tell today but a small concussion/migraine. Have to wait for tmrw and a new test #caps
Not the best news for the wounded pivot. We should have a further update tomorrow.
Backstrom being evaluated by doctors tonight. Took elbow to head from Rene Bourque in third. #Caps
Backstrom briefly returned to the game but was later removed from the game for precautionary measures. Before getting hurt, the talented playmaker registered three assists.
Line Change
Oshie just got off the ice in a great mood. Chanting "here we go!" and "I'm in". I'm guessing Hitch will agree.
Sounds like Oshie plays tonight. Oshie was ruled out for the last two games but could get back into the lineup. Prior to getting hurt he scored 11 goals and 23 points in 34 games.
Line Change
oshie and sobotka are game day decisions 2morrow Oshie at 75 percent Hitch said
Oshie was ruled out for the last two games but could get back into the lineup this week. Prior to getting hurt he scored 11 goals and 23 points in 34 games.