This is a big development for the Washington Capitals. The big forward has a lot of scoring in his stick. The reported injury is a skate cut on his foot and he looks like he is moving without much issue.
Aliaksei Protas is on the ice before #ALLCAPS skate once again. Appears to be doing more. Normal jersey. So, progress. (H/t @MonSportsNet photog Greg Abernathy.) pic.twitter.com/Fyei1TO2mb
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) April 23, 2025
The thirty goal scorer isn’t wearing a non-contact jersey any longer so technically he could play tonight but since they won the first game, I suspect that he will sit this one out as an abundance of caution. If they are expecting to have a long playoff run, it would be smart to play it safe. Plus, why make a change when you’re winning?
Game 2 is a must-win for the Canadiens. The Capitals offense will only get better with Protas in there and presumably they would have him for the road game. If the Capitals get up 2-0 in the series, it will be nearly impossible for Montreal to overcome. Nothing is impossible but the word improbable comes to mind.
I think the way that Protas gets in there is with a Canadiens’ win. Until then, why not give him maximum time to heal and feel even better. I believe that is what will happen. This is the fun part about playoff hockey. There’s always a lot of different storylines.