Capitals Release Statement on Nicklas Backstrom Suspension, ‘Don’t Understand’ Ruling

The Washington Capitals are confused.

The Caps are confused after forward Nicklas Backstrom was suspended for Game 4 of Washington's series with the Bruins after Backstrom was assessed a match penalty at the end of Game 3. Backstrom caught Bruins forward Rich Peverley up high with a cross-check in a postgame scrum, and that was apparently enough for him to have to sit out a game.

The Capitals released this statement on Wednesday afternoon.

"We disagree with the NHL’s decision to suspend Nicklas Backstrom. This has been a competitive and physical series, and we do not understand why a suspension was imposed in this case while other incidents in this series have not been reviewed. Our singular focus now is on Game 4, and we look forward to the energy that our great fans provide."