Protas (foot) is expected to be in the lineup versus the Canadiens in Wednesday's Game 5, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas warmed up on the fourth line, which suggests he'll be eased back in after a 10-game absence. The 24-year-old Protas was superb at even strength in the regular season, earning 30 goals and 36 assists over 76 games. He had just six special-teams points -- five shorthanded and one on the power play.

Protas (foot) will probably be a game-time decision for Game 5 against Montreal on Wednesday, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Spencer Carbery believes Protas is close to being available, and the 24-year-old forward will return to the lineup once given the green light to play. Protas compiled 30 goals, 66 points and 142 shots on net through 76 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. He could occupy a top-six role if he is back for Game 5.

Protas (foot) will not suit up for Game 4 against Montreal on Sunday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

EDGE Analysis

Protas will miss a 10th consecutive game Sunday, as he hasn't been in the lineup since April 4 versus Chicago. He'll have a few days to try to work his way back to full health before Game 5 on Wednesday. Considering the long layoff since his last appearance, Protas may be eased into action once he's cleared to play.

Aliaksei Protas (foot) will be a game-time decision for Game 4 against Montreal on Sunday, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas could return from a nine-game absence after being cleared for contact during Saturday's practice. He didn't skate with Washington's extras Sunday, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, which is another encouraging sign. The 24-year-old Protas amassed 30 goals, 66 points and 142 shots on net across 76 regular-season appearances in 2024-25.

Protas (foot) was a full participant in Saturday's practice and could be ready to play in Game 4 against Montreal on Sunday, Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being cut by a skate, Protas has been absent for the Capitals' last nine games, including the first three contests of Washington's first-round playoff series versus the Canadiens. The 24-year-old forward would provide an offensive boost if he receives the green light to return to the lineup. Protas broke out in 2024-25 with 30 goals and 66 points in 76 regular-season appearances.

Protas (foot) won't suit up Friday in Game 3 versus the Canadiens, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas will miss his ninth straight game due to the injury, but the fact that he was a game-time decision Friday is encouraging. He'll turn toward trying to be available Sunday in Game 4 instead. Once healthy, Protas should resume being a force on offense at even strength, though likely in a middle-six role since Anthony Beauvillier is thriving on the top line early in the playoffs.

Protas (foot) was deemed a possibility to play versus the Canadiens in Game 3 on Friday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas has been shelved for the Caps' last eight contests after suffering a laceration on the top of his foot. Even if the 24-year-old natural center is given the all-clear, he is far from a lock to suit up in Game 3 and could serve as a healthy scratch during the postseason.

Protas (foot) will join the Capitals on the road for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday, respectively, Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas' return is far from guaranteed -- he may just be traveling in order to skate with the team -- but it's certainly a step in the right direction. The 24-year-old center has missed the Caps' last eight contests due to his foot injury. Prior to getting hurt, the Belarusian was rolling offensively with 16 points in his last 16 outings, including a pair of shorthanded goals.

Protas (foot) won't play Wednesday versus the Canadiens, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas was not officially ruled out prior to warmups, but he never seemed to have much of a chance to play Wednesday. He's still a possibility later in the first round, so keep an eye on his status once the series shifts to Montreal for Game 3 on Friday.

Protas (foot) is expected to be a game-time decision for Game 2 versus Montreal on Wednesday, per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

EDGE Analysis

Protas hasn't been in the lineup since April 4. He finished the 2024-25 regular season with 30 goals and 66 points across 76 appearances. If Protas is available against the Canadiens, then he might play on the top unit alongside Alex Ovechkin, which would result in Anthony Beauvillier seeing a reduced role.