BACKSTROM COULD RETURN AGAINST BOLTS

Nicklas Backstrom missed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final with a right-hand injury suffered while blocking a shot. The Washington Capitals centre, who missed the series-clinching win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, has not practised with the team since getting hurt. As to the severity of the injury, head coach Barry Trotz suggested they expect him to return at some point in the series. “When Nick comes to me and the (team’s medical) staff says he’s ready to go,” said Trotz, who had classified Backstrom as a game-time decision for Friday night. Lars Eller took Backstrom’s spot on the second line with T.J. Oshie and Jakub Vrana.