The Capitals could have Aliaksei Protas back in the mix sooner rather than later. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/70e500b6-7122-453a-8433-1d661abc138c.jpeg] The Capitals could have Aliaksei Protas back in the mix sooner rather than later. ARLINGTON, V.A. — After a day off following a strong Game 4 win over the Montreal Canadiens, the Washington Capitals got back to work with practice on Tuesday. Alex Ovechkin, however, wasn't on the ice. Ovechkin didn't skate and took a maintenance day, per the team. The 39-year-old has three goals and an assist through the first four games of the postseason, with his team leading 3-1 in the series. While Ovechkin didn't skate, the rest of the team was in attendance for the high-paced skate, including Aliaksei Protas. Protas looked good and was a full-go again in practice, taking contact and being a full participant, taking full part in the battle drills. He was also wearing skate guards, a change to his equipment after suffering a skate cut to the foot back on April 4 that has held him out until this point. Coach Spencer Carbery said on Monday that P`rotas is "right there" when it comes to making a return, and that he could very well play on Wednesday. The Capitals didn’t run lines at practice, so it’s unclear where the 23-year-old would slot into the mix. Washington has the chance to advance past the first round for the first time since winning the Cup in 2018, entering Wednesday's Game 5.
