Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom in concussion protocol, will miss Game 2 vs. Islanders
The Washington Capitals will be without star forward Nicklas Backstrom for Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the New York Islanders on Friday.
Capitals head coach Todd Reirden announced the news Thursday, saying Backstrom is in concussion protocol.
Backstrom took a hit from Anders Lee early in Wednesday's 4-2 loss and didn't return after the first period.
Backstrom had just put the puck deep into the Islanders' zone when Lee lined him up with a blindside hit. After fighting with John Carlson, Lee also was issued an interference penalty.
The NHL Department of Player Safety deemed the hit was not worthy of supplemental discipline.
Washington was outraged with the hit, and Reirden even called it "predatory" while Carlson described it as "dirty."
Game 2 between the two teams is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
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