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Protas likely to return to Game 5 for Capitals
Photo credit: Yahoo Sports
Aliaksei Protas looks poised to make his playoff debut this season following a full practice session on Wednesday morning.
Protas set to return for Game 5 against the Canadiens
Chris Cerullo from RMNB writes that at practice on Wednesday, Protas exited the ice alongside the rest of the Capitals' main group at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Taylor Raddysh remained for extra work with the likely healthy scratches, suggesting Protas will draw into the lineup for Game 5.
Taylor Raddysh stayed out for extra work today after morning skate. With Aliaksei Protas looking likely to play tonight, could give a hint of who's coming out of the lineup.
Washington can clinch the series and eliminate the Canadiens with a win Wednesday night at Capital One Arena.
Here's what head coach Spencer Carbery about Potras possibly returning to action tonight.
«Yeah, we'll see [about Protas]. I'll talk to the medical staff. He had a good day yesterday, today full-go, so we'll see what they say. We'll see for tonight.» -Carbery
Cerullo also writes that with Raddysh expected to sit, the focus shifts to where Protas will fit in the Capitals' lineup. The 24-year-old spent much of the regular season alongside Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome on the top line, but that duo has found strong postseason chemistry with Anthony Beauvillier in Protas's absence.
"The Capitals will own the last change on home ice, so Carbery can again control matchups against the Canadiens' high-scoring top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky. Dubois, Wilson, and Connor McMichael saw most of that planned matchup in Games 1 and 2." -Cerullo
Puck drop is set for 7:00pm at Capital One Arena.
Previously on Washington Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 30 | 40 ANSWERS Protas likely to return to Game 5 for Capitals Will Aliaksei Protas return to play in Game 5 against the Canadiens on Wednesday? | ||
| yes | 37 | 92.5 % |
| no | 3 | 7.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
