Getty Images If the NHL lockout ends soon, the Washington Capitals may have to start the season without one of their top players.
Nicklas Backstrom, who’s spending the lockout with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL, suffered a neck injury on Dec. 26 when he was hit from behind in a game against Slovan Bratislava.
Backstrom’s Swedish agent, Gunnar Svensson, sent an email to the blog, Russian Machine Never Break, expanding on his client’s health issues.
“Nicklas has what you say — bruised neck,” Svensson said. “Hard to say about the recovery time. Day to day, maybe week to week.”
Backstrom has 25 points in 19 games for Dynamo Moscow. His Caps teammate Alex Ovechkin leads the club with 38 points in 30 games.
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May 21, 2013, 2:44 PM EDT
Edmonton’s new rink is set to open in 2016.
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May 21, 2013, 2:20 PM EDT
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The panel gets another goalie.
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It’s his old team, Dynamo Moscow.
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It’s been two weeks since they were swept by the Sharks.
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He’s “getting closer” to a return, though.
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Marchand wants Bruins to show ‘killer instinct’ tonight at MSG
May 21, 2013, 12:44 PM EDT
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Boston can take a commanding lead on the Rangers.
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Quenneville: ‘Hawks aren’t talking about goalie change, Crawford is ‘fine’
May 21, 2013, 12:27 PM EDT
Ray Emery sits…for now.
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The 29-year-old was on the ice for all five Boston goals in Game 2.
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He’s got the Red Wings two wins shy of a huge upset.
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“We’ve got a good home record, but we can’t rest and be comfortable with just being a great home team.”
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Preds’ Rinne (hip) still on crutches, but ‘positive it will be better’
May 21, 2013, 11:01 AM EDT
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He underwent surgery two weeks ago.
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Video: PHT Extra – What’s been the difference in Bruins-Rangers series?
May 21, 2013, 10:30 AM EDT
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A look at that and the San Jose Sharks’ series against the Los Angeles Kings.
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The Colorado Avalanche’s chief scout doesn’t think there’s a clear favorite.
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Playoffs Tonight: Kings look for ‘killer instinct’ against Sharks
May 21, 2013, 8:46 AM EDT
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But before that the Bruins will try to take a 3-0 series lead on the Rangers.
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“They’re discussing the final details of an arrangement.”
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PHT Morning Skate: Where Rinne (hip) is looking to return stronger
May 21, 2013, 7:15 AM EDT
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Tuesday’s collection of links.
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Is that an intentional Sharks pun?
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He thinks it could be a valuable wake-up call.
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AP
At least between Dan Cleary and Bryan Bickell.
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Joel Quenneville said they “hit the wall” after that.
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Video: Highlights: Red Wings top Blackhawks in Game 3
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Video: Cleary: 'We won't be exchanging Christmas cards'
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Video: 'Hawks potential tying goal waved off
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Video: Blackhawks score on controversial play
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Video: Blackhawks bring the pain
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Video: Red Wings and BlackHawks fighting for control
