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Stanley Cup Playoffs: Washington Capitals Lars Eller coming up big

By Dave Stevenson

TAMPA, FL - MAY 13: Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) during the second period of the second game of the NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Final between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 13, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MAY 13: Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) during the second period of the second game of the NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Final between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 13, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Without Nicklas Backstrom in the lineup, the Washington Capitals haven’t missed a beat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs thanks to Lars Eller

The Washington Capitals are having one of the most unexpected Stanley Cup Playoffs runs in recent memory. Despite losing numerous role players in the offseason and putting up subpar regular season possession numbers, the Caps are in their first Eastern Conference Final since 1998.  Washington has won four straight, including three straight without star center Nicklas Backstrom. And they have Lars Eller to thank for that.

At the 2016 NHL Draft, the Caps traded two second-round picks for the Montreal Canadiens center. They were determined to create a top-nine with three skilled forward lines and Eller was a key part of it. After a decent first season with the Capitals, Eller put up career highs in 2017-18 with 18 goals and 38 points.

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He’s been a huge part of the team, earning time on both ends of special teams. Eller’s two-way play makes him extremely valuable on the penalty kill. His versatility, size, and surprising quickness make him a solid net-front presence on the power-play. Eller recently signed a five-year extension. He could have tested free agency, but it appears he’s finally found a home.

The Capitals wouldn’t be where they are right now, up 2-0 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, without him. In the first-round, the Capitals lost the first two games in overtime at home to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

They found themselves in overtime again in Game 3. Eller delivered a clutch overtime goal in the second overtime.

This goal saved the Capitals’ season. Washington went on to win the next three games against the Blue Jackets. Against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Eller was critical in the Game 2 win, coming up with three assists. He also put up two points in Game 5, which saw the Caps take a 3-2 series lead.

However,  the Capitals lost Backstrom after Game 5. In Game 6, Eller got a promotion to the second forward line. He was asked to shut down Evgeni Malkin. Eller held his own, with a 55.81 percent CorsiFor percentage at even-strength. He didn’t do much on offense, but then again, it was a 2-1 game.

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Against the Lightning, Eller’s line has been matched primarily against Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and J.T. Miller. His line has won the possession battle each night. Eller has a goal in both games, including an impressive three-point performance in Game 2.

Montreal Canadiens fans probably aren’t too surprised by his playoff prowess. After all, Eller put up 13 points in 17 postseason games in 2013-14. This included five goals, one of them a game-winner. Back in 2015, Eller scored a game-winning goal against Jimmy Howard.

The legend of postseason Lars Eller continues to grow. He’s one of those players who has a history of stepping up his game in the playoffs. The Capitals are the beneficiaries. And Eller is having arguably the finest stretch of games in his career.

Next: Ranking Each NHL Team's All-Time Starting Lineup

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