Capitals’ Protas Likely Returns; Canadiens’ Laine Still Day-To-Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas is likely to return for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. Protas has been out since April 4 due to a skate cut on his left foot.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery indicated that Protas participated fully in practice on Tuesday, which points to his potential return. “When he gets back in, you’re hoping that they pick it up as quickly as possible,” Carbery said. Protas was third on the team in scoring during the regular season, netting 30 goals and 66 points in 76 games. His experience may boost a penalty kill unit that has faced challenges in the playoffs.

“He’s a big part of our penalty kill,” Carbery noted. “So, if and when he gets back in, he’ll help that group significantly.”

Meanwhile, the Canadiens are still waiting to see if forward Patrik Laine will make a return. Laine has missed the last two games due to an undisclosed injury. He practiced on Tuesday, but Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said Laine’s status remains day-to-day.

<p“It's important for us to be cautious,” St. Louis commented. “We'll make a decision closer to game time.” Montreal trails the Capitals 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, putting pressure on the team to perform without key players.

St. Louis also mentioned that defenseman Mathieu Joseph is day-to-day after getting injured during the previous game. The Canadiens will look to capitalize on their potential return of Laine as they aim to stay alive in the playoff series.