Nicklas Backstrom (upper body) will not play Friday against the Avalanche, Isabelle Khurhudyan of The Washington Post reports.

Backstrom (upper body) will not play Friday against the Avalanche, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

Backstrom was on the ice for the pre-game skate but will not play Friday. His availability for Saturday's contest against Arizona is unclear, but given that the Capitals have already clinched the Presidents' Trophy, don't be surprised to see them be cautious with their star centerman in the coming days.