The Washington Capitals held one final practice on Tuesday in preparation for Game 1 of their first round series against the New York Islanders. Puck drop is set for Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 pm.
Capitals head coach Todd Reirden met with the media following Tuesday’s practice. He confirmed Lars Eller would not be available for Game 1.
Lars Eller will not be available for Game 1, per Reirden.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) August 11, 2020
Eller left the bubble in Toronto last Wednesday for the birth of his second child, which happened on August 8. He subsequently returned to Toronto and began quarantine later that day.
Per NHL rules, any player that exits the bubble must quarantine for four days and pass four consecutive COVID-19 tests, administered once every 24 hours, prior to returning to the ice.
Eller will likely make the four-day quarantine requirement prior to game time, but since he has not skated or participated in team meetings for a full week, Reirden felt it was best to have him sit out Game 1.
Reirden mentioned that the Capitals hope to have Eller in the lineup for Game 2 on Friday. He should be done quarantining by then and have time to get a practice under his belt.
In other player news, John Carlson will be a game-time decision for Game 1, per Reirden.
By Jon Sorensen
Props to Eller. He certainly didn’t expect to be playing playoff hockey. Also, he hustled back to the bubble and did his best to make game 1.
They will be fine with Boyd in there but hopefully he is ready to go by Game 2. Who doesn’t love Eller?