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Backstrom practices with Caps

Nashville Predators v Washington Capitals

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Nashville Predators at the 1st Mariner Arena on September 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Predators defeated the Capitals 2-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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This morning in Virginia, Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom participated in his first full team practice since suffering a concussion on Jan. 3.

According to CSNWashington.com, Backstrom “skated hard” but didn’t partake in any battle drills, even though he’s been cleared for contact. Presumably he’ll want to take a few pushes and shoves before getting back into game action.

The Caps host the Sabres tomorrow, visit Boston Thursday, and return home to face the Habs Saturday.

There’s still no timetable for Backstrom’s return, and while they won’t force him into the lineup, Buffalo’s resurgence is seriously threatening Washington’s playoff chances. A loss tomorrow and the Caps will fall to 9th in the East. So yeah, they’d like to get him back ASAP.

Update: Backstrom stayed after practice and made Jay Beagle bump him a few times. (Gotta be a better way to say that.)