ARLINGTON, V.A. — It looks like Aliaksei Protas could finally be back for the Washington Capitals.
Protas was a full go once again at morning skate and this time, came off early rather than staying on for extra work, a good indicator that he will be in the lineup for Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens.
It would be the 23-year-old’s first game since April 4, when he suffered a skate cut against the Chicago Blackhawks that has held him out for the last few weeks.
Coach Spencer Carbery said that Protas is coming off another “good day,” and that he will see where things stand with the medical staff before Wednesday’s contest.
With Protas appearing ready to return, Taylor Raddysh stayed on the ice for the scratches’ skate, hinting that he’ll draw out of the lineup if Protas does return.
Getting Protas back in the mix would be a significant boost for D.C., who holds a 3-1 series lead over Montreal and can advance in the postseason for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup 2018.
In 76 regular season games, Protas had a career-high 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points.
“He’s been steady for us all year,” Tom Wilson said of Protas. “He’s been one of our MVPs… we’ll be excited to have him back if he gets back out there.”
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.
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