"George McPhee said center Nicklas Backstrom (concussion symptoms) is progressing "really well" and he is not ruling out the possibility of the 24-year-old center's returning to the Capitals lineup before the Jan. 29 All-Star Game.

Backstrom has not played since taking an elbow to the chin on Jan. 3 and has not skated in 11 days.

"He feels good," McPhee said. "I'm happy to report he's progressing."