For the first time, forward Lars Eller will experience the intense rivalry between the Penguins and the Capitals on the Pittsburgh team.
The 34-year-old Dane played almost seven seasons for the Washington team. In particular, he won the Stanley Cup in 2018.
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His journey with the Caps ended last March when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. The center then signed a two-year contract worth a total of 4.9 million with the Penguins.
On Friday evening, Eller will return to Capital One Arena for the first time since leaving the US Capital club.
“I can’t wait to be there. “I’m really excited and I hope my teammates are too,” he said during the Penguins’ media presentation on Thursday.
“It will be strange competing against my former teammates. I played there for so many years. I have very good memories of it. It was a bit like my second home.”
“When I was on the other side [de la rivalité], we were looking forward to these games. I can’t wait to experience this again. All the games within the division are huge. Our next game will be no different.”
Eller now has the chance to play with Sidney Crosby after sharing the ice with Alex Ovechkin.
“In the sport of ice hockey, it’s fortunate that these two guys compete against each other for so many years. They are the best players and leaders of their respective teams. It is impressive to see how they have lasted for almost two decades. I have the greatest admiration for her,” he said.
“They are exceptional players and people, each in their own way. I consider myself lucky to have been able to play with both of them,” concluded Eller.