For the fourth game in a row, Capitals’ Forward Nicklas Backstrom will not play due to an injury to his right hand.

Although this would appear to be a devastating blow to Washington’s roster, the Capitals have won all three games that Backstrom has not played.

Backstrom has made numerous appearances in morning skates, however he has not received the final okay from the doctors.

Finding themselves up 2-0 on the Tampa Bay Lightning with Games 3 and 4 in Washington D.C., the Capitals have to be feeling good, as teams are 39-2 when leading 2-0 in the Conference Finals.

With the possibility to take a demanding 3-0 series lead over the Lightning, Washington has to be expecting a strong five-on-five performance and a lethal forecheck from Tampa Bay.

So far this playoffs, Holtby has kept the Capital’s hopes of a Stanley Cup alive with his goals against average of 2.04, and a save percentage of .926.

Puck drop for Game 3 is set to take place tonight at 8:00 PM ET in Washington D.C.

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