Backstrom, Orpik could practice with team soon; Brown has hand injury

Nicklas Backstrom. (Alex Brandon/AP)Top-line center Nicklas Backstrom (hip) and defenseman Brooks Orpik (wrist) could join the team in practice “in the next day or two,” according to Washington Coach Barry Trotz.

If Backstrom and Orpik were cleared to join the team in practice, they would be withheld from contact initially. Backstrom’s status for opening night is uncertain after offseason arthroscopic hip surgery, but Trotz has been optimistic that Orpik, whose wrist was surgically repaired in the offseason, could play in a preseason game.

“Backy has been skating really well with controlled conditions,” Trotz said. “I think once you get into practice, you’ve got to avoid people a little bit,…