NHL Buzz: Getzlaf could return for Ducks against Hurricanes

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2021-22 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

Anaheim Ducks

Ryan Getzlaf could return against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday (6 p.m. ET; BSSO, BSSC, ESPN+, NHL LIVE).
The forward practiced Friday and Saturday but has missed five games because of a lower-body injury.
"He skated again this morning so he's getting closer," Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said Saturday. "Maybe tomorrow. But sometime on this trip, he's going to play."
The Ducks began a four-game road trip with a 5-23 win at the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, and after playing at the Hurricanes, visit the Florida Panthers on Tuesday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.
Getzlaf has scored 31 points (three goals, 28 assists) in 49 games. He announced Tuesday that he would retire after the season, his 17th in the NHL. -- Adam Kimelman

Washington Capitals

Nicklas Backstrom did not play when the Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins 4-2 on Sunday..
The center was a late scratch with body maintenance.
Backstrom played 18:15 and had an assist in Washington's 6-3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
He has scored 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) in 38 games this season.
Conor Sheary returned for the Capitals and had an assist Sunday. The forward missed the game against Pittsburgh with a a non-COVID illness.

Boston Bruins

David Pastrnak missed his third game for the Bruins when they visited the Capitals on Sunday.
The forward aggravated a previous injury in a 3-2 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday and did not play in a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday or a 2-1 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday.
Pastrnak has scored 71 points (38 goals, 33 assists) in 69 games this season.
Hampus Lindholm missed his second straight game because of a lower-body injury.
The defenseman has four assists in seven games with the Bruins since he was acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on March 19.
"They both skated yesterday, so I don't know if they're not that far away," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said Sunday. "I don't know if they'd be able to play if it was the playoffs because I was told they're out, so I didn't ask that question. My guess is yes, but we're not protecting them. If they were to give us the green light, they'd probably still be in. It's an important game and we've still got a lot to play for. They're just not quite ready. Close, though."

Vegas Golden Knights

Max Pacioretty returned for the Golden Knights and scored a goal in a 6-1 win against the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday.
The forward, who had not played since March 11 with an undisclosed injury, skated on a line with Chandler Stephenson and Mattias Janmark, and was on the top power-play unit.
Paciorety has 30 points (16 goals, 14 assists) in 30 games this season.