The Washington Capitals are dealt with a major blow ahead of the playoffs as their star player Aliaksei Protas has been out on a week-to-week basis due to a lower-body injury.
Aliaksei Protas suffered injury against Chicago Blackhawks
The 24-year-old center sustained his injury during the third period of Friday's historic 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Protas got cut right above the tongue of his skate by defenseman Wyatt Kaiser's skate blade as he drove the puck to the net and was in visible pain. After leaving the ice, he didn't return and was followed by no updates following the game.
The team had hoped that everything would be fine but their coach Spencer Carbery confirmed during the pregame media duties that Aliaksei Protas will be out for some time. In his absence, Anthony Beauvillier is expected to reenter the lineup as he was acquired from Pittsburgh.
Washington Capitals reporter Tom Gulitti shared the news on her X account that was first provided by Carbery on Sunday.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said Aliaksei Protas is week to week with a lower body injury, Gulitti wrote.
The team would be hoping that Protas return in time for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs which will begin on April 19. He still has four years remaining on his five year contract worth a whopping $16,875,000 that he signed with the franchise last year. He is a bargain of a deal for both the Capitals and their general manager Chris Patrick.
Aliaksei Protas had an exceptional breakout season
Aliaksei Protas has been one of the breakout players in the NHL this season as he had racked up 66 points (30 goals and 36 assists) in the 76 games he has featured in. It's a massive leap from the 53 points (13 goals and 40 assists) he had from his first 169 games. Aliaksei Protas is also a +40 rating, proving to be an elite even-strength producer as he rarely sees power-play time.
Washington's third round pick (91st overall) from the 2019 draft if their third leading point scorer and is behind Dylan Strome (75 points) and Alex Ovechkin (68 points). His massive improvement has been the driving force behind Capitals' hold of the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the entire season.