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.