The Washington Capitals were back to work Saturday afternoon at MedStar Capitals Iceplex following their 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Friday night. The team will head to North Carolina today in advance of their showdown with the Hurricanes in Raleigh on Sunday.
The big news on Saturday was the return of Lars Eller. Eller was in COVID quarantine in Anaheim, California since the team arrived nearly two weeks ago. He returned to the D.C. area late this week and practiced with the team for the first time in two weeks on Saturday.
Capitals lines at practice:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Protas
Sprong/McMichael*-Eller-Wilson
Hagelin-Dowd-Hathaway
Malenstyn-Sgarbossa-LeasonFehervary-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Cholowski-TvR*Sprong took the first rush on the second line, McMichael took the next
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) November 27, 2021
It looks like Daniel Sprong or Connor McMichael will get the left wing position on Eller’s second line.
Eller said he felt like he had a mild flu/cold for about three days, but never had a high fever or breathing problems. He felt better on the fourth day. “No one else on the team got it. Nobody in my house got it. I have no idea where I got it from.” He’s feeling good now. Said he feels close, could play on Sunday.
Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette said he’s hopeful that Lars Eller will play Sunday in Carolina. Eller was a full participant at practice today.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) November 27, 2021
Eller had a goal and seven assists in 15 games played before entering COVID protocol.
tiger spotted in natural habitat pic.twitter.com/k82wqL4mDs
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 27, 2021
The Capitals and Hurricanes do battle for first place on Sunday. Puck drop is set for 1:00 PM ET.
By Jon Sorensen
