The Washington Capitals were back to work Thursday morning at the Ford Performance Center in Toronto following their 4-2 loss in Game 1 to the New York Islanders. Lars Eller rejoined the team following his mandatory quarantine after returning to the bubble this weekend following the birth of his second child.
Lars Eller said he spent about two and a half days back home in Washington for the birth of his second child, Alexander. So very quick visit, but glad he did so.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) August 13, 2020
Eller missed Game 1 due to quarantine requirements after leaving the bubble. Per ‘Return to Play’ protocols, players that leave and then re-enter the bubble must quarantine for a minimum of four days and pass four consecutive tests for COVID-19.
Lars Eller’s son was actually born on Aug. 4. So he actually missed the birth of his son, Alexander. He didn’t head back to Washington until Aug. 5.
They were worried about # of days he would have to quarantine if he did want to go to the hospital to be there
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) August 13, 2020
Eller did charter back and forth from Toronto to Washington. He only came in contact with his close family back home.
Photo: @Capitals
Eller was technically allowed to rejoin the team Wednesday morning, however, he was held out of Game 1 since he had not practiced or participated in team meetings for a full week.
Lars Eller on quarantining for four days in the bubble: “First off, it wasn’t particularly fun sitting in your room for four days.”
Mood. But 14 days.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) August 13, 2020
Eller established a new career high in the 2019-20 regular season with 39 points (16g, 23a) and recorded a 51.89 face-off percentage, his highest since joining the Capitals in 2016-17. Eller led the Capitals this season with a 55.8 shot attempt percentage at five-on-five (908 shot attempts for, 717 against), which was not only a personal career high for Eller, it was the third-highest percentage by a Capital since the NHL began recording the data in 2009-10. Additionally, it was the sixth-highest percentage by a forward with at least 69 games this season.
Todd Reirden said that Eller is expected to be back in the lineup for Game 2 which is set for Friday night at 8:00 pm ET.
By Jon Sorensen
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