Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Nicklas Backstrom Suspended 1 Game for Cross Checking

Surprise, surprise. Nicklas Backstrom will soon join the ranks of NHL stars who've missed time during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs by way of a Shanaban.

According to Bob McKenzie of The Sports Network, the star center will be held out from Game 4 of the Washington Capitals' Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Boston Bruins on Thursday:

"

One game suspension for WSH's Nicklas Backstrom.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 18, 2012"

Backstrom was initially slapped with a penalty for cross-checking Bruins right wing Rich Peverley in the face at the close of Monday's 4-3 loss at the Verizon Center in Washington.

The suspension is not without some controversy, at least from D.C.'s side, as the Bruins appeared to go out of their way to target Backstrom's head while mixing it up after the whistle.

Backstrom missed 40 games this season while recovering from a concussion.

The Caps will certainly miss Backstrom's presence on the ice. The 24-year-old Swede racked up 44 points in just 42 games this season, and has been among the Caps' most dynamic playmakers against Boston. If not for Backstrom's goal in overtime of Game 2, the Caps would already be on the brink of elimination.

As it stands, head coach Dale Hunter will need the rest of his roster—Alexander Ovechkin in particular—to step up in Backstrom's absence if Washington is to have any shot to spring the first-round upset.

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