BOSTON - David Backes has not had the best of luck over the past two seasons.
Last November, the veteran forward missed roughly a month - some four weeks less than expected - following colon surgery related to a bout of diverticulitis. Then in March, Backes required 18 stitches to close a wound in his leg after being nicked by the skate of Tampa Bay forward Yanni Gourde.
As a result, Backes - who also suffered a concussion in the Bruins' final game of the postseason, courtesy of a high hit from the Lightning's J.T. Miller - was Boston's 2018 nominee for the Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Backes 'No Worse for Wear' After Skate Scare
Forward took Ekman-Larsson's blade to the nose in B's win over Arizona