Concussion tests prove inconclusive after elbow to head The status of Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom remains uncertain after he underwent inconclusive concussion testing Wednesday morning following an elbow to the head in a game the night before.
Backstrom was elbowed by Calgary Flames forward Rene Bourque, who drew a two-minute penalty. Bourque then received a five-game suspension Wednesday after a supplementary discipline hearing with Brendan Shanahan, the NHL’s senior vice president for player safety and personnel.
According to a tweet by Backstrom’s brother, Kristoffer, on Wednesday morning, the result of the elbow was either a “small concussion” or a migraine headache. A team spokesman said the tests were part of normal NHL protocol. Backstrom was struck midway through the third period and completed the ensuing power play and two other short shifts but did not play the final 3:19 against the Flames.
The Caps did not make him available to the media after the game Tuesday or after practice Wednesday and remain unsure whether he will accompany the team to California for upcoming games against San Jose or Los Angeles. Washington leaves after Thursday’s scheduled practice but does not play until Saturday.
“[Backstrom] seems fine. But he still has to be evaluated,” Caps coach Dale Hunter said. He later added “No” when asked whether there was a definitive diagnosis of a concussion. “It’s one of those things where you evaluate it for a few days and see how he is.”
Backstrom, who is prone to migraine headaches and has left games because of them before in his career, did go through an off-ice workout with some of his teammates Wednesday. Washington’s practice was optional, with 10 players skating. Backstrom entered play Wednesday tied for eighth in the NHL in points with 42.
“[Backstrom is] one of the top two guys, three guys on this team because he can do everything, and the guys love having him out there,” Washington defenseman Karl Alzner said. “He’s so dangerous, and he can not only score but he sets up a lot of guys. Any time with Nicky out of the lineup would not be a good time.”
