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Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom sits out Game 3 loss with injured hand

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was not in the lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, missing his fourth straight game with a right hand injury.

The Capitals' 4-2 loss Tuesday to the Tampa Bay Lightning was the first time Washington had lost since Backstrom injured his hand.

Backstrom blocked a shot by Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz in Game 5 of their semifinal series, and has worn a brace on his hand since then.

Backstrom has participated in morning skates with the Capitals, but has not taken line rushes or any time with their power-play units. Capitals coach Barry Trotz said before Tuesday's game that Backstrom remains "day-to-day."

The Capitals lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Thursday in Washington.