For the first time, forward Lars Eller will experience the intense rivalry between the Penguins and the Capitals on the side of the Pittsburgh team.
The 34-year-old Dane played nearly seven seasons with the Washington team. He notably won the Stanley Cup with it 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.
Friday night, Eller will return to Capital One Arena for the first time since leaving the US capital club.
“I can not wait to be there. I’m really excited and I hope my teammates are as well,” he said Thursday during the Penguins’ media availability.
“It’s going to be strange to face 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 matches. I can’t wait to relive that. All the intra-division games are huge. It won’t be any different in our next game.”
Eller now has the chance to play with Sidney Crosby, after sharing the ice with Alex Ovechkin.
“Hockey is lucky to have these two guys competing against each other for so many years. They are the best players and leaders of their respective teams. It’s impressive to see them going for almost two decades. I have the greatest admiration for them,” he said.
“They are exceptional players and humans each in their own way. I consider myself lucky to have been able to play with both,” concluded Eller.