Protas tied the game in the final minutes of the second period, giving Washington important momentum in a game that featured a lot of special-teams action and late-game drama.

Belarusian forward with elite size and scoring potential; breakout game highlighted by two goals and an assist; viewed as a future cornerstone who could anchor a top-six line and power play for Washington.

Protas stepped up with a two-goal performance against the Islanders, signaling a potential breakout and increased playing time for Washington’s secondary scoring options.

Protas exploded for two goals and an assist, chief catalyst in Washingtons 4-2 win, converting a Chychrun setup and adding a second off a turnover.

Protas 30-goal breakout on a 21.1% shooting rate is unlikely to repeat; career shooting was 8.8%. With limited power-play time and Ovechkin’s presence, goal output should fall to ~20 with 33–60 point pace, making him a fluctuating depth option rather than a breakout candidate.