Nicklas Backstrom missed this fourth straight game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs when he was absent from the Capitals game sheet because of an ailing wrist injury. Ahead of the game, Backstrom was seen taking part in drills at the Caps’ morning skate, and even signed a few autographs (with his glove on) for a few lucky fans.
Noticed how he kept the glove on his right hand on, limiting the chance that someone on a smartphone could’ve potentially zoomed in and spotted what precisely was wrong with the playmaking centre.
A couple of fans decided to get a rather unique item for Backstrom to inscribe his penmanship on. With the Caps nursing a 2-0 series lead over the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals, Backstrom signed none other than a broom, prompting the internet to hint at Backstrom potentially jinxing the team by signing it.
Described as day-to-day, which is pretty standard lingo come playoff time, the Caps had yet to lose a game with Backstrom absent from the lineup, but that all changed on Tuesday as Washington fell 4-2 to Tampa on home ice.
In 11 playoff games so far this spring, the 30-year-old has 3 goals and 10 assists. Lars Eller has filled in down the middle on the Caps’ second line with Backstrom out.
We'll see if the Swede is able to return for Game 4 on Thursday. Perhaps Backstrom may want to be a little more careful in what he signs next time.
(h/t Russian Machine Never Breaks)
