The Washington Capitals will be without Lars Eller for a fourth straight game due to illness against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. The 35-year-old Dane remains on injured reserve retroactive to the last time he played, which came on December 17 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Eller was a full participant in line rushes at the Capitals’ first post-holiday practice on Friday. Still, head coach Spencer Carbery quickly ruled him out during his pregame press conference a day later.
“Lars will not play tonight,” Carbery said.
Eller centered Washington’s third line at the last practice, meaning Hendrix Lapierre will likely dress in that spot for the Capitals at Scotiabank Arena. However, Carbery went with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen against the Boston Bruins before the holiday break.
Once Eller does return, either Lapierre or Ivan Miroshnichenko will need to be sent down to the AHL’s Hershey Bears to free up a roster spot. Neither player would require waivers to make the move.
Eller has 13 points (6g, 7a) in 33 games this season. He recorded an assist against the Blackhawks in his last game.
While Eller will not return against Toronto, Washington will get captain Alex Ovechkin back after missing him for 16 games due to a broken left fibula. Logan Thompson is the Capitals’ expected starting goaltender after Charlie Lindgren took the 4-1 loss to Boston on Monday.
