ESPN.com · May 14, 2018
Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom ruled out for third straight game
TAMPA, Fla. -- Center Nicklas Backstrom will miss his third straight playoff game with a right hand injury, as the Washington Capitals face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on Sunday night.
Backstrom took the morning skate, but didn't take line rushes or a role on the power play. He walked out of Amalie Arena wearing a brace on his right hand, which was injured in Game 5 of the Capitals' semifinal series against the Pittsburgh Penguins when Backstrom blocked a shot from Justin Schultz.
He missed the Capitals' series-clinching game against the Penguins, and their Game 1 victory over the Lightning.
Lars Eller has moved up to the second line in Backstrom's place.