BALLSTON, Va. - Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom is "day-to-day" after receiving an elbow from the Calgary Flames' Rene Bourque, according to head coach Dale Hunter.
In the third period of Washington's 3-1 win over Calgary Tuesday, Bourque delivered an elbow to Backstrom's head at center ice and received a two-minute elbowing minor. After the hit, Backstrom returned to the ice for the ensuing power play and took two shifts after that, but ultimately left the game with 3:19 remaining.
Backstrom did not participate in Wednesday's optional skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, but did take part in off-ice workouts and is continuing to be evaluated, according to Hunter.
When asked whether or not Backstrom underwent any concussion-related testing, Hunter was mum.
"No, we're evaluating," he said. "It's one of those things where you evaluate it for a few days and see how he is."
The team would not confirm if Backstrom had any concussion-related evaluations, but earlier Wednesday morning, Backstrom's brother, Kristoffer, tweeted that Nicklas did undergo concussion testing.
"Test done and the dr couldn't tell today but a small concussion/migraine," Kristoffer said in a since-deleted tweet. "Have to wait for tmrw and a new test."
Backstrom is the Caps' leading scorer with 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists). Hunter did not say whether or not Backstrom would join the team on its upcoming two-game road trip, which begins Saturday in San Jose against the Sharks.
Bourque will face a disciplinary hearing with the NHL Wednesday to discuss the hit.