Aliaksei Protas is getting closer to returning to the Washington Capitals lineup, and he could even potentially be in the mix for Game 3 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Protas was a full go at the team's optional morning skate in Montreal, wearing a full contact jersey and skating with the group for the first time after days of individual work. After practice, coach Spencer Carbery told reporters that he was a "possibility" for Friday's contest, via NHL.com's Dan Rosen.
The 23-year-old is recovering from a skate cut to the foot that he suffered back on April 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks. He has not played since.
While Carbery wouldn't rule Protas out, the forward stayed on for extra work after practice, per Monumental Sports Network's Tarik El-Bashir, which usually indicates a scratch.
Getting Protas back will be a major boost to the Capitals, who hold a commanding 2-0 series lead going into Game 3 against the Canadiens. Protas plays a pivotal role at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill, and finished the regular season with a career-high 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points in 76 games.
When Protas does draw back in, one forward will have to come out. Given Ryan Leonard's success so far this postseason and based on ice time, Taylor Raddysh sseem to be the odd man out, though anything is possible.
The puck drops for Game 3 at 7 p.m. at Bell Centre.