Backstrom returns to Capitals' lineup for Game 5

Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom returned to the lineup for Game 5 on Thursday against the New York Islanders, the team announced.

Backstrom exited Game 1 after taking a hard hit from Islanders forward Anders Lee and has been out since.

He's recorded one assist in four games this postseason.

The Capitals are down 3-1 in their first-round series. They managed to win Game 4 to avoid a sweep after dropping the first three contests.