WASHINGTON, D.C. - Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom underwent observation after receiving an elbow from the Calgary Flames' Rene Bourque during Tuesday's 3-1 victory.
Midway through the third period, Bourque caught Backstrom up high with his elbow at center ice. Bourque served a minor penalty for elbowing, while Backstrom later returned, even taking a shift on the ensuing power play, but did not complete the game.
After the game, head coach Dale Hunter said that the team removed Backstrom for precautionary reasons.
"We removed him from the game," Hunter said. "It was precautionary. He's getting evaluated and we'll know more [Wednesday]."
Hunter did not comment on whether or not Backstrom had to visit the "quiet room," where players are monitored for concussions. Bourque has a prior history with suspensions, with his most recent coming December 19 when the NHL suspended him for two games for checking the Chicago Blackhawks' Brent Seabrook from behind December 18.