Backstrom, Wilson ready to make season debuts for Capitals

By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington Capitals say center Nicklas Backstrom and winger Tom Wilson are ready to play. Backstrom and Wilson are expected to make their respective season debuts tomorrow when the Capitals host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Backstrom had offseason hip resurfacing procedure on a nagging injury, and Wilson underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Two of the organization’s longest-tenured players have been rehabbing and ramping up to return for several months. Washington has rebounded from a slow start to move into a playoff position midway through the NHL season.