Sochi, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - The NHL said Sunday that Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom likely won't face discipline from the league after testing positive for a banned substance at the Sochi Olympics.
Backstrom, playing for Sweden at the Olympics, was scratched from Sunday's gold medal game against Canada after the alleged doping offense.
A Swedish Olympic official said Backstrom's positive test came as the result of an allergy medicine he has routinely taken.
Sweden went on to drop a 3-0 decision to Canada.
The NHL said the specific substance in Backstrom's case is not on the league's banned list.
"It is our understanding that the positive test was the result of a common allergy medication taken by the player knowingly, with the approval of the team doctor and without the intention of gaining an illegal or improper performance-enhancing benefit," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly in a statement on Sunday. "In addition, the specific substance that resulted in the positive test is not currently on the league's prohibited substances list.
"Subject to confirmation of the facts as we understand them, and given the fact that the substance is neither prohibited in the NHL nor was used in an improper manner here, we do not anticipate there being any consequences relative to Nicklas' eligibility to participate in games for the Washington Capitals."
Backstrom would then be eligible to play when the Capitals resume the NHL season on Thursday against Florida.
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