Ont of the biggest questions surrounding the Capitals right now is the status of defenseman John Carlson. Carlson, who was injured in the Caps exhibition game, did not play in any of the round-robin games. On Sunday, Todd Reirden said he was hopeful that the Norris Trophy finalist would be ready for Game One.

Carlson is officially a game-time decision for Wednesday’s game, while Lars Eller, who is quarantined in his hotel room, is out. The rest of the squad practiced on Tuesday.

Reirden said everyone practiced today and John Carlson will be a game-time decision for Game 1. #Caps

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) August 11, 2020

The last round-robin game that Carlson missed, Radko Gudas was replaced by Martin Fehervary who recorded a game-high seven hits. After the game Tom Wilson said he was, “really good.”

It is not known who will sit out when Carlson is ready to be inserted back into the lineup.

Eller, meanwhile, is still quarantined in his hotel room and will not be available for Game One. Eller left the bubble for the birth of his second child, a son named Alexander.

Lars Eller will not be available for Game 1, per Reirden.

— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) August 11, 2020

Eller must test negative four times over a four-day period to return to the team. Travis Boyd, who scored on Thursday, will most likely remain in Eller’s spot.

Reirden mentions the #Caps 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.

— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) August 11, 2020

Headline photos: Elizabeth Kong