Nicklas Backstrom missed the first game of his professional career Wednesday night with a fractured thumb. As of right now, he is expected to miss at least 1-2 more games. Backstrom was practicing, but in a non-contact jersey.
Via Brian McNally of the Washington Examiner:
Timetable remains the same for Nicklas Backstrom (fractured left thumb) - 1 to 2 games. He did skate at practice today w no-contact jersey.
Backstrom, for his part, said he got to a point where he couldn't grip his stick, so he took himself out against the Lightning on Monday.
As for other Capitals injuries, Mike Green was back on the ice practicing, but said he's still taking things cautiously as he recovers from various head injuries. Goalie Semyon Varlamov was also on the ice, and coach Bruce Boudreau said he will take some shots on Friday. Then again, the strong play by Braden Holtby recently means Varlamov will have to fight to even be a backup.