Late Tuesday night, the official word came down as to the status of Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Bob McKenzie of TSN in Canada got the word.

One game suspension for WSH's Nicklas Backstrom.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 18, 2012

The NHL's Department of Player Safety released its now-familiar video explanation from the department's vice president, Brendan Shanahan.

"Even though Backstrom might have felt threatened by [Boston forward Rich] Peverley's stick," Shanahan noted in the video, "the fact is that Peverley is in a defensive stance and it is Backstrom who is approaching him.

"Backstrom's reaction is excessive and reckless."

We'll have plenty more on these games and the rest of the 2012 NHL Playoffs on SB Nation D.C., so keep it locked to this StoryStream for all the latest news and updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to Japers' Rink. For the opponent's perspective all series, check out Stanley Cup of Chowder. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.