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Backstrom: I was tested Wednesday, informed of results Sunday (Update: NHL releases statement)

NicklasBackstromReuters

The specifics of Nicklas Backstrom’s failed drug test are beginning to come to light.

Following Sweden’s 3-0 loss to Canada in the gold medal hockey final, an emotional Backstrom took to the podium and tried to explain why he was banned from competing in Sunday’s game -- and how he learned of the decision just prior to puck drop:

“I was ready to play probably the biggest game of my career, and two-and-a-half hours before the game I got pulled aside,” Backstrom said, per the Washington Post. “It’s sad.”

Here’s Backstrom’s take on the incident, from Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston:

Nicklas Backstrom says he was drug tested three times in the leadup to the Olympics.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 23, 2014


Wow. Nicklas Backstrom was tested on Wednesday and only told about the fail two hours before today’s game. — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 23, 2014

Ergo, Backstrom competed in Sweden’s 2-1 semifinal win over Finland following his failed test on the 19th.Here’s the IIHF’s side of things, from WaPo’s Dave Sheinin:

Pseudoephedrine legal up to 150 mg. According to IIHF medical chief, Backstrom level in A sample came back at 190.

— Dave Sheinin (@DaveSheinin) February 23, 2014


IIHF medical chief: “Because [Backstrom’s sample] was beyond level [allowed], provisional suspension is given to athlete.”

— Dave Sheinin (@DaveSheinin) February 23, 2014


IIHF medical chief implies Backstrom’s silver medal may hinge on result of test of B sample.

— Dave Sheinin (@DaveSheinin) February 23, 2014


Backstrom, 26, said he’s been taking allergy medicine daily for the last seven years, with a Swedish team doctor claiming that included the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Backstrom had been a vital contributor for Sweden leading up to the gold medal game in Sochi, notching four assists through five games while averaging over 18 minutes per night. What’s more, his presence in the middle was crucial as Sweden had lost a pair of centers — Henrik Zetterberg, who was hurt during the tournament, and Henrik Sedin, who was removed from the team just prior to the start of the Games.

As for why Backstrom’s test results came back so late?

According to Sheinin, the IIHF medical chief said “we have a lot of tests going on.”

UPDATE: The NHL has issued the following statement...

“We understand that Nicklas Backstrom tested positive for a substance banned ‘in competition’ by the International Olympic Committee. It is our further understanding that the positive test was the result of a common allergy medication taken by the player knowingly, with the approval of the team doctor and without the intention of gaining an illegal or improper performance-enhancing benefit. In addition, the specific substance that resulted in the positive test is not currently on the League’s Prohibited Substances List.

“Subject to confirmation of the facts as we understand them, and given the fact that the substance is neither prohibited in the NHL nor was used in an improper manner here, we do not anticipate there being any consequences relative to Nicklas’ eligibility to participate in games for the Washington Capitals.”