Report: Backstrom expected to play tonight

The Washington Capitals have been ravaged by injuries and illness, but fortunately, a pretty big break may come their way tonight.

Nicklas Backstrom missed Thursday night's game against the Vancouver Canucks - and the team subsequently lost 6-2. He was announced as a game-time decision, dealing with an illness that kept him out of morning skate.

He appears to have healed enough to slot back into the lineup. With injuries to key players including Matt Niskanen and Andre Burakovsky, having an important veteran like Backstrom will be important for Washington if they want to get back to their winning ways.

Tyler Graovac was also placed on injured reserve today (upper-body). 

Backstrom has a whopping 12 points in 9 games so far - his importance to this team cannot be understated.

Stay tuned for confirmation on his status tonight.