April 27, 2025
Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas (foot) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. Protas fully participated in Saturday's practice and could return to action after a nine-game absence. The Capitals have averaged 3.00 goals per game in the playoffs, but Protas could provide an additional boost to the offense. He had a breakout campaign with 30 goals and 66 points in 76 games. Protas is a candidate to join the top six, although the Capitals may reintroduce the 24-year-old into the lineup in a reduced role, especially with Anthony Beauvillier performing well on the first line.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
April 26, 2025
Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas (foot) is on track to rejoin the lineup for Sunday's Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens. He was a full participant in Saturday's practice and could make his first appearance since April 4, when Protas sustained a skate cut on the top of his left foot during a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Protas was highly effective for the Capitals during the regular season, putting up a career-high 30 goals and 66 points in 76 games, while ranking third in the league with a plus-40 rating. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery will have some big decisions to make, as Protas' replacement on the first line, Anthony Beauvillier, has had a great start to the postseason with four points (one goal, three assists) in three games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Dan Rosen
April 24, 2025
Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas (foot) has traveled with the team for Games 3 and 4 against the Montreal Canadiens. Protas is expected to return to the lineup in this series and could be an option on Friday night. The two teams will also clash in Montreal on Sunday. Washington lost Protas eight games ago due to a skate cut on his left foot. The team has coped well with his absence, building a 2-0 lead in the matchup, but he would be a valuable addition. Anthony Beauvillier has skated on the first line in Protas' absence during the first two games in the series, recording a goal and two assists with a team-high eight shots.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Tarik El-Bashir
April 21, 2025
Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas (foot) is unlikely to play in Monday's Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens, but he is poised to make his comeback soon. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters that Protas is expected to return during the first-round series. "I think, absolutely, I would expect him to play, and we'll see when that is," Carbery said. "It might be tonight. It might be Game 2 (on Wednesday). We'll see." The Belarusian forward missed the final six regular-season games after injuring his foot. It has been a massive career year for Protas, who scored 30 goals and 66 points in 76 games during the regular season. Protas' injury has given Anthony Beauvillier a chance to skate on the first line, but he has been a non-factor offensively, entering Monday's contest with a nine-game point drought.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
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