sentences:  Backes was suspended for three games on March 7, 2018, due to interference against Detroit Red Wings player Frans Nielsen, during a game on March 6, 2018.Following an accidental hockey-skate cut above one knee suffered in a March 17, 2018 Bruins road game by the Tampa Bay Lightning's Yanni Gourde, Backes required 17 stitches to close the wound, and needed to stay off the ice for it to heal - Backes returned against the Lightning in a home game for the Bruins on March 29.Ahead of his return on March 29, Backes was selected as the Bruins' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."