It started by simply missing a shift against the Calgary Flames. Its been 11 games since Nick Backstrom missed that shift and the prognosis is not good. It was believed that Backstrom would resume skating before the All Star break with the hopes if a return this week. That of course was before Dale Hunter revealed that neither Backstrom nor Green skated over the break and neither is set for an imminent return. With two games upcoming against the fading yet still very relevant Panthers, this news is concerning.
Concussions have become a major point of emphasis from the league this year, and with good reason. The list of superstars who have missed time due to concussion like symptoms could take on any team in the league and win convincingly; Sidney Crosby, Backstrom, Claude Giroux, Jeff Skinner, the list goes on. And that does not even include Chris Pronger who has missed the entire season and Marc Savard, whose injury three seasons ago began the increase in awareness.
It is clear that Backstrom’s injury is far worse than it initially seemed. There is no question that he should not return to the Capitals line up until he is 100% healthy. He is too young and too valuable to the franchise to risk a Crosby like situation. With that said though, I do not believe the Capitals can really make this season end how they want without a healthy Nick Backstrom. He is the only player in the line up who is impossible to replace. Those who could step up to fill his play-making skills role (MoJo and Perraeult) are simply not ready and could not handle the ice time. And despite his increased production coinciding with the injury to Backstrom, Ovechkin cannot be the threat he is capable of being without his main pivot.
So get well soon Nick.
The Caps are going to need you.
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