Backstrom returns to Capitals after left hip injury

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) in action during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Washington. Backstrom says he’s taking hip injury rehab slowly and has no timetable on ...CHICAGO — Nicklas Backstrom is in for the Washington Capitals. Evgeny Kuznetsov is out.

Backstrom was activated Wednesday after missing the start of the season because of a left hip injury. The center is expected to play against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Washington also announced that defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk and center Nic Dowd had been removed from the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol. Forward Anthony Mantha was placed on long-term injured…