The Washington Capitals playoff push (and their push for the division title) will receive a huge boost on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens as center Nicklas Backstrom is expected to return to the lineup for the first time since January 3 after missing nearly four months with a concussion.Backstrom was injured when he was elbowed by Rene Bourque, then playing for the Calgary Flames. He was suspended five games by the NHL for the hit, and it just so happens that Bourque, having been traded to Montreal prior to the trade deadline, will be on the ice for Backstrom's return to the lineup as well.
In 38 games this season Backstrom has scored 13 goals to go with 29 assists and is still one of the Capitals leading scorers even though he hasn't appeared in a game since early January. Without him in the lineup the Capitals struggled at both ends of the ice due to a lack of quality depth down the middle that was only magnified without Backstrom. Washington doesn't have the best center depth with Backstrom in the lineup -- without him it's pretty much nonexistent.
During his absence, the Capitals were just 18-16-6.
Said Backstrom following the morning skate on Saturday, via Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times, "I'm really excited. It's going to be fun to play again. It's a big game for us and we need all those points. I'm excited to be back in such an important game."
The Capitals enter Saturday's game in the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, tied with the Sabres in points but ahead due to having more regulation and overtime wins. Along with fighting for the final playoff spot, the Capitals still have an opportunity to catch the Florida Panthers for the Southeast Division crown due to a recent slump by Florida that couldn't have come at a worse time.
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