The Washington Capitals, in a fight for their playoff lives, might be getting a huge boost when they face the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night at the Verizon Center. Center Nicklas Backstrom, out of action for nearly three months, could be back against the Candiens, with signs Saturday pointing to just such a return.
Via Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post:
Nicklas Backstrom is taking line rushes with Ovechkin and Johansson this morning. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikElBashir) March 31, 2012
Backstrom has missed the last 40 games after suffering a concussion on Janury 3 against the Calgray Flames. His return would be a welcome addition to a Washington team desperately trying to grab the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. After losing three of their previous four games, the Capitals earned two vital points with a 3-2 shootout win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
UPDATE, 10:37 a.m.: Backstrom himself has confirmed he will play Saturday night against the Canadiens. Again, via Tarik El-Bashir:
Nicklas Backstrom confirms that he's playing tonight vs. MTL. "Very excited," he said. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikElBashir) March 31, 2012
For more on the Capitals, visit Japers Rink. For more on the rest of the league, visit SB Nation's NHL hub.