The Capitals and Flames are both facing elimination Thursday night. As they hope to extend stays in their respective bubbles, they could each be getting back big pieces of their lineups.
Nicklas Backstrom will be a game-time decision again, per Capitals head coach Todd Reirden. The forward was injured early in Game 1 of their First Round series after taking a hit from Islanders captain Anders Lee. He was put into concussion protocol and has not played since, but has skated the last several days.
[NBC 2020 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF HUB]
The Flames have been without Matthew Tkachuk since Game 2. He injury seemed to occur following a collision with Jamie Oleksiak and Jamie Benn of the Stars. Head coach Geoff Ward said Thursday that the forward could be available in Game 6.
Matthew Tkachuk went back down the tunnel after getting sandwiched between Benn and Oleksiak. #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/7lEF5PID2B
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 14, 2020
“He is an option for tonight,” said Ward, who has not divulged if Tkachuk has been skating. “We’ll see what he’s like at game time.”
THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
Game 5: Islanders vs. Capitals (NYI leads 3-1), 8 p.m. ET – NBCSN: livestream
Game 6: Stars vs. Flames (DAL leads 3-2), 10:30 p.m. ET – NBCSN: livestream
MORE:
• Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round schedule
• Second Round matchup scenarios
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy