NHL Playoffs Buzz: Protas ‘proper there’ for Capitals, might play in Recreation 5 – NHL.com

Matthews sits out Maple Leafs observe for relaxation; Johansson possible for Wild in Recreation 5
© John McCreary/NHLI through Getty Photos
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Aliaksei Protas might play for the Capitals in Recreation 5 of the Japanese Convention First Spherical in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, ESPN, SNP, SNO, SNE, TVAS, CBC), however coach Spencer Carbery wouldn’t decide to that Monday.
The ahead, who has not performed since April 4 due to a skate lower on his left foot, resumed skating on his personal April 20 and has skated with the group the previous three days.
“He is proper there,” Carbery mentioned. “He is full observe. He is able to roll. We’ll see if he will get into Recreation 5.”
Though Washington has a 3-1 lead within the best-of-7 sequence and the luxurious of with the ability to give Protas extra time, Carbery mentioned that received’t affect when he returns.
“I’d say that it doesn’t come into play, the place the sequence is at,” Carbery mentioned. “He’ll play when he is prepared.”
Protas was third on the Capitals with 30 targets and tied Pierre-Luc Dubois for third with 66 factors in 76 regular-season video games. His return might assist notably on the penalty kill, which has allowed 5 targets on 13 instances short-handed within the sequence. Protas led Washington with three short-handed targets and tied Tom Wilson for third amongst its forwards in averaging 1:35 in ice time on the penalty kill in the course of the common season. — Tom Gulitti
Auston Matthews didn’t observe Monday due to relaxation however is predicted to play in Recreation 5 of the Japanese Convention First Spherical in opposition to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, ESPN).
“I take a look at the minutes, he performed a whole lot of minutes final sport,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube mentioned. “So, it’s only a dialog. I’ve conversations with guys about it and in the event that they really feel like they want slightly extra relaxation, I feel it’s a superb factor.”
Matthews performed 26:23, second-highest amongst Toronto forwards (Mitch Marner , 28:26), and had 4 pictures on objective in a 4-3 time beyond regulation loss in Recreation 4 on Saturday.
Toronto leads the best-of-7 sequence 3-1.
David Kampf, who has been a wholesome scratch the primary 4 video games, skated in Matthews’ spot on a line with Matthew Knies and Marner at observe.
Joseph Woll, who has backed up goalie Anthony Stolarz every of the primary 4 video games, didn’t observe due to an sickness. His availability for Recreation 5 can be decided Tuesday.
Artur Akhtyamov, who has been a wholesome scratch, served because the second goalie at observe. — Dave McCarthy
Marcus Johansson is possible to return for Recreation 5 of the Western Convention First Spherical in opposition to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday (9:30 p.m. ET; FDSNNO, SCRIPPS, ESPN, SNE, SN360, TVAS).
The ahead missed a 4-3 time beyond regulation loss in Recreation 4 on Saturday after he left within the third interval of Recreation 3 with a lower-body harm.
“He appears to be like good,” Wild coach John Hynes mentioned Monday. “I’ll discuss to the trainers after, however he went by means of the entire observe and was good, in order that’s actual constructive.”
Johansson has one help by means of three video games within the best-of-7 sequence, which is tied 2-2.
Joel Eriksson Ek didn’t observe (maintendance), however Hynes mentioned the middle will play Tuesday.
Zeev Buium may very well be a wholesome scratch; Jon Merrill took Buium’s place on the third protection pair at observe alongside Zach Bogosian.
The 19-year-old rookie defenseman made his NHL debut in Recreation 1 and has one help whereas averaging 13:35 of ice time. Buium has additionally been quarterbacking the highest power-play unit.
“I haven’t made a remaining determination on [defense], however it’s in consideration (to sit down Buium),” Hynes mentioned. “… Now you’re right down to a best-of-3 sequence, and the temperature will get turned up in a sequence and also you type of actually know what the fashion of sport goes to be and issues like that.
“The stakes get excessive once more, so it’s simply attempting to be sure that we’re doing what’s proper for the group, what’s proper for the participant. As at all times, we attempt to make the most effective determination that we really feel goes to provide our group the possibility to win.” — Jessi Pierce
Gabriel Vilardi skated in an everyday jersey for the third straight day throughout an elective observe Monday.
The ahead hasn’t performed since sustaining an upper-body harm on March 23.
“He’s obtained that yellow jersey off, [so] now it turns into a game-time determination,” Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel mentioned Saturday, at some point earlier than a 5-1 loss on the St. Louis Blues in Recreation 4 of the Western Convention First Spherical.
The perfect-of-7 sequence is tied 2-2. Recreation 5 is at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, ESPN, FDSNMW).
Vilardi set NHL profession highs in the course of the common season in targets (27), assists (34) and factors (61) in 71 video games.
“He’s an influence ahead with nice talent, so he helps us within the offensive zone, helps us on the ability play,” Arniel mentioned of Vilardi.
Dylan DeMelo returned Sunday after the defenseman missed Recreation 3 due to an sickness. — Tracey Myers
🔹Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
🔹Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
🔹Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals
🔹New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
🔹St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
🔹Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
🔹Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights
🔹Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings

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