The 30-year-old center has missed Washington's past two games with a right-hand injury sustained when he blocked a shot from defenseman Justin Schultz in Game 5 of the second round against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Capitals are 2-0 without Backstrom, including a 4-2 win in Game 1 against the Lightning on Friday.
RELATED: [Complete Lightning vs. Capitals series coverage]
Although Backstrom was on the ice for the morning skate, he did not take part in line rushes. Lars Eller remained in his spot centering the second line between Jakub Vrana and T.J. Oshie. Eller also remained in Backstrom's spot on the first power-play unit.
"He's our key player," Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin said. "We'll see what's going to happen, if he's going to play tonight or not. Obviously, everybody knows what he means to this organization, to this club, and if he's going to be in it will be nice."
Trotz said Saturday he was optimistic that Backstrom will be able to return at some point in the best-of-7 series with Tampa Bay.
Sunday morning was his first time Backstrom was on the ice since skating before Washington's optional practice Thursday. He appeared to have no issues passing the puck.
Backstrom's 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are third on the Capitals behind Ovechkin (17 points) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (16). He had five points (one goal, four assists) in five games in the second round before he was injured.
