Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f2c2d315-dcf9-4212-95c9-f4888a4f484a.jpeg] WASHINGTON — Asked about the status of Aliaksei Protas, coach Spencer Carbery wouldn't get into specifics regarding any of his injured Washington Capitals, instead opting to share a vague, universal update. The Capitals kick off their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens [http://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] on Monday, and as of right now, it's unclear what the lineup will look like. “I’ll just preface injuries with this: we’ve got guys working through some things. Some guys skating. Some not skating," Carbery said. "I’m just going to leave it as, we’ve got a bunch of guys working through some things, progressing, potentially playing on Monday, potentially not." Protas, who has been out since suffering a skate cut to the foot on April 4, did not take part in the team's opening practice of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/capitals-start-stanley-cup-playoffs-on-monday-full-first-round-schedule-vs-canadiens] on Saturday. He appears unlikely to be in the mix for Game 1, though nothing has been ruled out officially at this time. Getting the 23-year-old back in the mix will be a huge boost. He finished the year as one of the NHL's top producers at 5-on-5 and ranked third on the team with 66 points in 76 games. Meanwhile, Martin Fehervary also missed practice. The Slovak blueliner had appeared to tweak his foot during Monday's win over the New York Islanders, but he eventually returned and finished the game. However, he didn't play in the regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins. With Fehervary's status unclear, Alex Alexeyev has drawn into his spot on the left side. Ethan Bear [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/capitals-recall-ethan-bear-from-hershey-ahead-of-playoffs], who was called up from the AHL's Hershey Bears on Saturday, was on an extra pairing with Dylan McIlrath. Capitals Notebook: Thompson Returns, Protas & Fehervary Don’t Skate, First Look At Playoff Lines [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7db708fa-e348-48b6-ac5a-c655a79f0c60.jpeg] Capitals Notebook: Thompson Returns, Protas & Fehervary Don’t Skate, First Look At Playoff Lines WASHINGTON — It was an intense and high-spirited practice at Capital One Arena, with captain Alex Ovechkin leading the charge as his team enters the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/capitals-notebook-thompson-returns-protas-fehervary-dont-skate-first-look-at-playoff-lines] During practice, Jakob Chychrun took a puck up high, but received repairs and is not expected to miss any time. On a more positive note, Logan Thompson appears to be progressing significantly, as he was a full participant in practice along with Charlie Lindgren. Call-up Clay Stevenson was rotating in. Getting Thompson back will be a huge boost after he finished the year with an impressive .910 save percentage.
