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.