Washington Capitals Star Nicklas Backstrom Suspended for Game 4 vs Boston Bruins

Washington Capitals star Nicklas Backstrom will be suspended for Game 4 of his team's first round series with the Boston Bruins after he crosschecked Bruins forward Rich Peverley in the face at the end of Game 3 and received a match penalty.

"

One game suspension for WSH's Nicklas Backstrom.

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

Game 4 is Thursday night in Washington. Below is the suspension video on Backstrom's suspension from league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. You can also watch Backstrom's cross check on Peverley by clicking here.

This is a huge loss for the Capitals because Backstrom is their second best player and someone the team relies on to provide offense each game.

Backstrom is the team's best playmaker and scored the game-winning goal of Game 2 in double overtime.

With the Capitals down 2-1 in the series, their forwards, led by captain Alexander Ovechkin will have to step up in Backstrom's absence or they will travel to Boston facing elimination in Game 5.

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Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston.