Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas has returned to the lineup after recovering from a skate-cut injury, and head coach Spencer Carbery intends to deploy him in various roles during the upcoming playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Protas rejoined the team for the final game of the first round after missing most of that series.
Protas suffered the injury, a skate cut across his left foot, in an April 4 game against the Chicago Blackhawks late in the regular season. The injury involved tendon damage and kept him out of action until the end of April.
His return came in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens. Aliaksei Protas was initially placed on the fourth line alongside Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime. Coach Carbery expressed confidence in that combination following the game.
In Game 5, Protas logged 16:48 of ice time, fourth most among Capitals forwards. The line saw positive results at five-on-five, including advantages in shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger chances.
Carbery detailed plans to use Aliaksei Protas beyond a fixed line role in the next series. "Pro's going to move around our lineup," Carbery said, indicating he would be utilized in different situations such as four-on-four play, after power plays, and on penalty kills to get him ice time.
Despite his return to practice, which began ahead of Game 5 Aliaksei Protas acknowledged last week that he did not feel fully like himself yet. He stated his focus was on working hard daily to improve and help the team.
Before his injury, Protas had a productive 2024-25 regular season. He ranked third on the Washington Capitals with 66 points, including 30 goals and 36 assists in 76 games. Most of his production came at even strength, where his 60 points ranked among the league leaders.
The second-round series between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes is set to begin at Capital One Arena.
