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.