42 David Backes RW

Bruins' David Backes: Dealing with concussion

Per Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston, Backes is still experiencing some concussion symptoms, but with the entire offseason ahead of him, the veteran power forward should be fine long before the Bruins' next campaign commences. The 34-year-old logged 14 goals and 33 points in 57 games this past season, numbers that don't quite match up with his $6 million salary. That said, Backes doesn't shortchange the Bruins in terms of grit, mental/physical toughness and leadership. He's under contract with the team for three more seasons and figures to mostly work on Boston's third line in 2018-19.

Bruins' David Backes: Injured in Game 5

Backes collided with Lightning forward J.T. Miller and needed to be helped off the ice and back to the locker room. The team later announced that he would miss the rest of the afternoon. Further updates concerning his injury and its severity should be available after the game.

Bruins' David Backes: Logs helper in Game 7

Backes finished up the series with two goals and three points in seven games, to go along with a minus-three rating. The 6-foot-3, 221-pounder heads into the Bruins' second-round series against the Lightning entrenched as a member of the team's third line. While he's not counted on to lead the charge offensively these days, the 33-year-old power forward can still provide secondary scoring, while bringing valued grit and leadership to the table for Boston.

Bruins' David Backes: Pots Game 5 goal

The tally was Backes' second goal of the series and although he's still searching for his first assist, he's provided a strong physical presence reeling off 17 hits throughout the first five games. With the acquisition of Rick Nash, Backes is now seemingly stuck on the third forward line which limits his offensive opportunities, but he still is coming out with the second power-play unit and averaging 2:08 of time on the man advantage per game. The veteran is no stranger to postseason play and recently reeled off 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 20 games during a 2015-16 run with St. Louis, and although those strong numbers are unlikely with him on the third line, Backes should continue to fill the scoresheet with his hits even if he's not pitching in points.

Bruins' David Backes: Collects two helpers in OT loss

The veteran has now collected three helpers through three games since returning from a leg injury March 27. Backes has only suited up for 53 contests this season, and his 12 goals and 19 assists probably aren't serviceable marks outside of deep settings. However, he has 51 PIM and 129 hits, so he carries more value in formats including those categories. It's also worth noting that Backes entered Sunday's game with an impressive 55.9 Corsi For percentage, so his real-world contributions to the Bruins in all facets of the game shouldn't be underestimated.