Hockey fans can hardly catch their breath at the moment. As round 1 of the playoffs comes to an end, no series has been entirely straitforward and the drama is coming in in spades. But take the example of the Washington Capitals, who have a chance to enter round 2 without much fuss later tonight. The team dominated the regular season and finished at the top of the Metropolitan Division. Subsequently, they carried their form into the playoffs and are just one win away from entering the second round. Amid this, the Capitals are set to get a further boost as Aliaksei Protas readies to make a comeback.

Earlier in the series, Capitals’ Tom Wilson Wilson even received a penalty of $5000. Now after the legal and financial troubles the Capitals have some good news for their fans as 24-year-old Aliaksei Protas is all set to return.

Earlier today, he was on the ice for the morning skate. While he remains a game-time decision, the Capitals were confident that he could return to play as early as Game 5 against the Canadiens. Protas suffered an injury after a skate cut to his left foot and had to miss Game 3 and Game 4. However, he is in the lineup and could potentially feature in the game later today.

Despite admitting that Protas was “ready to roll”, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery refused to fully commit about Protas’ appearance in Game 5. He said, “It’ll have its challenges of getting up to speed, the touches, the pace of the game, the physicality, and that, but he hasn’t been out for two months. It’s been a few weeks, so when he gets back in, and usually it’s different for every player, you’re hoping he can pick up as quickly as possible.”

Nonetheless, the Capitals have missed the edge that Protas provided them earlier in the season. Carbery further revealed how Protas added another dimension to the team with his performances.

Spencer Carbery all praise for Aliaksei Protas

It has been a team effort for the Capitals so far; they have had a few star players who have stood out for them. While Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin have been the highlight for them this season, Aliaksei Protas has silently become one of their most important players. He has already scored 30 goals and 36 assists and has a plus/minus of 40, which is the third best in the league. As a result, Carbery couldn’t stop praising the young talent.

During an interview, he revealed, “He can be a huge boost. He’s been a huge penalty killer for us all year, especially offensively with his skating. He’s one of the top whatever they do with the stat of chances per 60 shorthanded. I think he’s right up there in the league, so he’s a big part of our penalty kill. So, if and when he gets back in, he’ll help that group significantly.”

Thus, the Capitals fans would hope that Protas makes a comeback as soon as possible. Going by the looks of it, the wait won’t be too long for them as he could make a return as early as today.

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