Apr 25, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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Washington Capitals Await Game-Time Decisions on Aliaksei Protas and Logan Thompson

Washington Capitals await final call on Aliaksei Protas and Logan Thompson ahead of crucial playoff matchup.

The Washington Capitals received a wave of hope during Sunday’s morning skate. Both starting goaltender Logan Thompson and forward Aliaksei Protas hit the ice, looking closer to a return ahead of a crucial Game 4. According to NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, both players will be game-time decisions tonight.

Thompson’s presence was a huge sigh of relief for the Capitals. Just two days ago, it looked like they might have to move forward without him after an awkward collision with teammate Dylan Strome late in Game 3. He limped off the ice, and many feared his series, or even season, was over. However, Thompson practiced in full on Sunday, putting those worries to rest for now.

Skates scenes before Game 4#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/BvW9ZGeqc9
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 27, 2025

Getting Thompson back would be a massive boost. Backup goalie Charlie Lindgren has been solid when needed, posting a 20-14-3 record and a .894 save percentage this season. But Thompson’s numbers tell a different story. With a 31-6-6 record and a .910 save percentage in 43 starts, he had one of the best seasons a Capitals goalie has seen in recent memory. Only a handful of names like Braden Holtby and Olaf Kolzig have put up similar numbers in Washington’s history.

Thompson has also proven he can handle playoff pressure. In the first three games of this series, he’s put up a .917 save percentage, continuing his strong postseason play after his brief but impressive playoff run with Vegas last year. If he’s able to suit up tonight, it could change the entire feel of Game 4.

The Capitals also have their eyes on Aliaksei Protas, who’s been sidelined with a foot injury for nine games. Protas is coming off a breakout season, notching 30 goals and 66 points in 76 games, a huge jump from last year’s production. His mix of size, skill, and smart movement made him a perfect fit alongside stars like Alex Ovechkin and Connor McMichael.

If Protas returns, expect him to slide right back into the top-six forward group, possibly pushing Taylor Raddysh or Brandon Duhaime out of the starting lineup.

As Washington fights to even the series, having Thompson and Protas back could be the spark they desperately need. All eyes now shift to warmups tonight to see if these two key pieces will be ready to go.

Image Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!