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.

Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressed frustration following a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, highlighting issues with officiating. The team is now in a 3-1 playoff deficit, facing elimination in Game 5. St. Louis criticized the referees' focus on embellishment, while rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes lamented potential head contact from Alex Ovechkin that went unpunished. Despite injuries, including defenseman Alexandre Carrier's exit due to a high hit, both Dobes and St. Louis remain optimistic about their chances in Washington.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis expressed his frustration following a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, particularly with the officiating. His team now faces elimination in Game 5. Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes also criticized the refereeing, questioning a controversial hit by Capitals' Alex Ovechkin. Despite the injuries and the setbacks, both St. Louis and Dobes are optimistic about bouncing back in Washington.

With Alexandre Carrier's injury and ongoing penalties against key players, the Canadiens must adapt quickly. St. Louis emphasized the need for resilience and confidence, as they prepare for a critical game. The team's ability to handle adversity will be crucial for their chances to extend the series.

The Montreal Canadiens achieved an impressive 6-3 victory against the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference playoff series, but not without a significant loss. Starting goaltender Sam Montembeault left the game due to a lower-body injury, paving the way for rookie Jakub Dobes to step in for his playoff debut. Montembeault, who had performed well in the series despite two previous losses, was replaced after making 11 saves on 13 shots.

After Montembeault's exit, Dobes managed to hold off the Capitals, allowing only one goal from star player Alex Ovechkin while making seven saves on eight shots. The Canadiens' offense featured a diverse scoring effort, with goals from six different players, including Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. The win cuts the Capitals' series lead to 2-1, with Game 4 set for Sunday.

The Washington Capitals faced a significant blow to their playoff hopes with a 6-3 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3. Starting goaltender Logan Thompson left the game late in the third period after a collision with teammate Dylan Strome, raising questions about his availability moving forward. Despite allowing five goals on 35 shots prior to his injury, Thompson had been instrumental in Washington's previous games. Backup goalie Charlie Lindgren stepped in but struggled, allowing one goal on five shots.

Montreal scored three unanswered goals after Alex Ovechkin tied the game, showcasing their offensive prowess. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery was tight-lipped about Thompson's condition post-game, reflecting uncertainty surrounding the team's plans for the upcoming Game 4. The Capitals, who had led the series 2-0, must now regroup after this crucial loss.