Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom returned to the ice after missing Tuesday's workout because of an illness and expects to be in their opening game of the playoffs Thursday night against the Canadiens. "I'm feeling better. Feel better than yesterday and I was able to practice. Felt OK," Backstrom said Wednesday. "[Tuesday], I was sick, I was laying down in bed all day. I'm getting ready for [Wednesday]. I don't want to go into details, but I was sick. I'll be fine and I'm excited for it." Backstrom had 33 goals and 68 assists in 82 games this season for the Capitals.