ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is taking a leave of absence from the team because of what he called an “ongoing injury situation” after a slow start to the season on his artificial left hip. “I decided to take some time and step away from the game. This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time," Backstrom said in a statement released Wednesday by the Capitals.