Capitals to receive reinforcements for the start of the playoffs
Photo credit: The Score
The injury plagued Washington Capitals might be getting a boost soon, as a couple of their key players are expected to return either in time for the start of the playoffs or during the early part of the first round.
Washington Capitals' forward Aliaksei Protas and starting goalie Logan Thompson resumes skating and should be back in action come the first-round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press writes that forward Aliaksei Protas and goaltender Logan Thompson has resumed skating and are both expected to return to team practices later this week, head coach Spencer Carbery said Sunday ahead of the Capitals' regular-season home finale against Columbus.
"Thompson has been out with what the team is calling an upper-body injury, after leaving a game on April 2 at Carolina following a shot from Sean Walker that knocked off his mask. Carbery said Thompson skated on his own but did not face shots, which is a step in the process of returning." -Whyno
Protas suffered an accidental skate cut to the top of his left foot during the April 4 game against Chicago and has since been using crutches and wearing a boot to aid his recovery. Capitals head coach told the media that Protas' recovery will take a bit longer.
Whyno also writes that Protas, who is signed through 2029 on a team-friendly deal worth $3.375 million annually, has had a breakout season, setting new career highs with 30 goals, 36 assists, and 66 points.
Prior to this year, the 24-year-old had recorded just 55 points over his first 173 regular-season and playoff games combined.
Thompson is enjoying a career-best season, winning 31 of his 42 starts while posting a 2.49 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. In late January, the 28-year-old secured his future with the Capitals by signing a six-year, $35.1 million contract extension that runs through the 2030/31 NHL season.
"Washington is locked into the top spot in the Eastern Conference and visits the New York Islanders on Tuesday night and Pittsburgh on Thursday night to finish the regular season. The playoffs will begin at home either next Sunday or Monday, April 21, against the Montreal Canadiens or the Blue Jackets." -Whyno
Both players have been a huge reason for the Capitals' success this season. If they hope to make run for the Stanley Cup, they will need both Protas and Thompson back as soon as possible.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 14 | 65 ANSWERS Capitals to receive reinforcements for the start of the playoffs Do you think the Capitals will go far in the Stanley Cup playoffs? | ||
| yes | 50 | 76.9 % |
| no | 15 | 23.1 % |
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