Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery has labeled Aliaksei Protas as a game-time decision for Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens. Protas, who has been sidelined for ten games due to a skate injury, participated in morning skate, showing signs of readiness to return. While it's uncertain if Protas will slot back into the lineup, fellow forward Taylor Raddysh is expected to be the one to sit if Protas plays. Carbery will consult with medical staff before finalizing decisions.

Meanwhile, other Capitals players like Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson were also mentioned, with Ovechkin participating in practice after maintenance days. Additionally, Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov, Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar were announced as finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. The Carolina Hurricanes have made headlines by re-signing Taylor Hall to a three-year deal, further solidifying their roster.

As the NHL playoffs heat up, injury news remains a key focus for teams and fantasy players alike. Marcus Johansson of the Minnesota Wild is showing positive signs after leaving Game 4 due to a lower-body injury, and coach John Hynes expressed optimism about his return for Game 5. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning's Brandon Hagel is facing uncertainty after exiting early against the Florida Panthers following a hit. In Toronto, John Tavares, who briefly entered concussion protocol, also appears ready to play, while Auston Matthews is expected to join him after taking a maintenance day. The Washington Capitals might welcome Aliaksei Protas back after a foot injury sidelined him since early April. Lastly, the Winnipeg Jets are keeping an eye on Gabriel Vilardi, who is inching closer to a return after missing games due to an upper-body injury.

In an intense first-round playoff series, the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens have showcased a fierce rivalry, evident from the escalating physicality and post-whistle confrontations. Both teams were recently fined $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct during pregame warmups, and individual players Dylan McIlrath and Arber Xhekaj faced personal fines. This series has seen a total of 37 penalties over four games, underlining the heightened emotions and competitive spirit typical of playoff hockey. Brendan Gallagher noted that physicality is a hallmark of early playoff rounds, and despite frustrations with officiating, the Canadiens are focusing on their gameplay.

Washington's coach, Spencer Carbery, downplayed concerns about officiating, emphasizing adaptability and discipline in earning power plays. The Capitals have capitalized on their opportunities, outscoring the Canadiens during power plays significantly. With Aliaksei Protas potentially returning from injury for Game 5, the Capitals are poised to capitalize further on their current 3-1 series lead. The excitement builds as the teams head to Washington for the next matchup.

Martin St. Louis, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, is set to make pivotal lineup decisions after winger Patrik Laine missed the morning skate prior to Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. Laine, who has struggled with a scoring drought, particularly after being benched in the third period of Game 2, is crucial to the Canadiens' playoff hopes. His absence raises questions about the team’s offensive strategies as they trail 2-0 in the series.

Laine, Montreal's highest-paid player, has not scored in seven games, raising concerns over his impact this postseason. If he is unable to play, forwards Oliver Kapanen and Michael Pezzetta may step in. Meanwhile, the Capitals could welcome back Aliaksei Protas, who adds significant depth and scoring potential after missing previous games due to injury. The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate crucial playoff adjustments.

Aliaksei Protas, a forward for the Washington Capitals, is uncertain for the opening game of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens after suffering a skate cut earlier this month. Although he missed the final games of the regular season, his coach remains optimistic about his return, possibly in Game 2. Protas achieved career highs this season with 30 goals and 36 assists in 76 games, contributing significantly to the Capitals' strong performance as the top team in the Eastern Conference.