As the Washington Capitals prepare for their regular season home finale and look toward the playoffs, they got positive news on the injury front with regard to Aliaksei Protas and Logan Thompson.
Per coach Spencer Carbery, who spoke with reporters in D.C., Protas is expected to skate at some point this coming week.
"Everything's on track," Carbery said. "It's going to come to a point where it's going to be hard to pinpoint exactly, but hoping that he touches the ice at some point this week."
Protas was hurt back on April 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks, when he suffered a skate cut to the top of the foot while driving to the net. He has been in a walking boot, but Carbery has said that he is progressing.
Getting the 23-year-old back will be vital for the postseason. He ranks third on the Capitals in scoring with 66 points through 76 games.
Meanwhile, Thompson skated on his own at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Sunday, per Carbery. He did not take any shots but was on the ice, which is a positive sign as he recovers from an upper-body injury suffered on April 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes. It's unclear what the exact nature of the injury is.
Washington is eagerly awaiting their No. 1 goaltender's return for the postseason. Through 43 games this season, Thompson is 31-6-6 with a .910 save percentage and 2.49 GAA.