Martin St. Louis, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, is set to make pivotal lineup decisions after winger Patrik Laine missed the morning skate prior to Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. Laine, who has struggled with a scoring drought, particularly after being benched in the third period of Game 2, is crucial to the Canadiens' playoff hopes. His absence raises questions about the team’s offensive strategies as they trail 2-0 in the series.

Laine, Montreal's highest-paid player, has not scored in seven games, raising concerns over his impact this postseason. If he is unable to play, forwards Oliver Kapanen and Michael Pezzetta may step in. Meanwhile, the Capitals could welcome back Aliaksei Protas, who adds significant depth and scoring potential after missing previous games due to injury. The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate crucial playoff adjustments.

Aliaksei Protas, a forward for the Washington Capitals, is uncertain for the opening game of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens after suffering a skate cut earlier this month. Although he missed the final games of the regular season, his coach remains optimistic about his return, possibly in Game 2. Protas achieved career highs this season with 30 goals and 36 assists in 76 games, contributing significantly to the Capitals' strong performance as the top team in the Eastern Conference.

The 2024-25 Fantasy Hockey Awards highlighted some remarkable performances this season. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets took home MVP honors, excelling with 47 wins, a 2.00 goals-against average, and leading the league in shutouts. Pierre-Luc Dubois, traded to the Washington Capitals, emerged as the Sleeper of the Year with a career-high 65 points. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews was deemed the Bust of the Year after a disappointing drop in goals compared to his previous season. Cale Makar's stellar play earned him Defenseman MVP, while Lane Hutson shone as the Rookie of the Year, tying an NHL record for assists by a rookie defenseman. The Waiver Wire Pickup of the Year went to Aliaksei Protas, who upped his production significantly this season.

Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking goal has overshadowed the Washington Capitals' recent struggles as they head into the playoffs. Despite clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals have only won five of their last eleven games and allowed three or more goals in ten of those matches. Injuries have plagued the team, notably goaltender Logan Thompson, who is recovering from an upper-body injury. Backup Charlie Lindgren has faced difficulties in goal, leading to poor defensive performances, and Thompson's availability for the playoffs remains uncertain.

The Capitals are also contending with the absence of center Aliaksei Protas and defenseman Jakob Chychrun, further complicating their playoff readiness. However, Ovechkin remains focused, asserting the need for mental preparedness as they prepare for a first-round series against either the Montreal Canadiens or the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Capitals aim to regain their momentum as they wrap up the regular season against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As the playoffs approach, the Washington Capitals are eagerly anticipating the return of goaltender Logan Thompson and forward Aliaksei Protas. Thompson, recovering from an upper-body injury sustained against Carolina, has begun skating, offering hope for his availability. Meanwhile, Protas is expected to hit the ice soon after recovering from a skate cut sustained against Chicago. Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the need for veteran players like John Carlson to rest ahead of the postseason, particularly given the team's recent struggles. With the Capitals locked in as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, they'll look to regain form before facing either the Montreal Canadiens or Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the playoffs.