Having already locked up the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed with weeks to spare, the Washington Capitals have the opportunity to rest, heal, and preserve bodies before embarking on what they hope will be a long, fruitful playoff run.
And they're taking advantage of such luxury with "banged up" pivot Nicklas Backstrom.
"If he's not 100 percent, he probably will not play," Capital coach Trotz said when assessing Backstrom's chances of returning Tuesday, according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post.
That, of course, will be different when the postseason rolls around. Backstrom didn't take line rushes, but was once again a full participant at practice Monday, seemingly unimpeded by whatever's ailing him.
"We're in a good position right now," he admitted. "And we don't want to rush anything. It's probably smarter decision for now, I'd say."
He's missed the club's last two games.
