NHL Player News

Protas (foot) was a full participant in Saturday's practice and could be ready to play in Game 4 against Montreal on Sunday, Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network reports.

After being cut by a skate, Protas has been absent for the Capitals' last nine games, including the first three contests of Washington's first-round playoff series versus the Canadiens. The 24-year-old forward would provide an offensive boost if he receives the green light to return to the lineup. Protas broke out in 2024-25 with 30 goals and 66 points in 76 regular-season appearances.

Colton (lower body) won't play in Saturday's Game 4 matchup against the Stars, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

Colton will miss his third game after suffering the injury in the series opener, and it's unclear when he will be ready to return to the lineup. Once Colton is healthy, Parker Kelly might be a healthy scratch.

Eller notched an assist and two PIM in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Canadiens in Game 3.

Eller snapped a 12-game point drought with the assist. He went minus-8 with 17 shots on net and 18 hits in that span. The third-line center had 22 points, 104 shots on net, 57 hits, 35 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating over 80 regular-season games between the Capitals and Penguins in 2024-25, so he offers little upside in fantasy.

Barkov (undisclosed) will play in Game 3 against Tampa Bay on Saturday, per Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

Barkov won't miss additional playing time after leaving Thursday's 2-0 win over the Lightning. He has collected three assists, four hits and three blocked shots through two outings this postseason. In Saturday's matchup, Barkov will skate on the top line and see action on the top power-play unit.

Suzuki scored a power-play goal on three shots, added two PIM and logged three hits in Friday's 6-3 win over the Capitals in Game 3.

Suzuki has scored twice over three playoff games, adding 10 shots on net, four hits and an even plus-minus rating. The top-line center continues to handle massive minutes, and the Canadiens will need his offense to stay competitive in the team's first-round series. Suzuki had a career year with 89 points across 82 regular-season contests in 2024-25, so he's no stranger to racking up points.

Newhook recorded a power-play goal and an even-strength assist in Friday's 6-3 win over the Capitals in Game 3.

Newhook didn't have a point in the first two games of the series, but the playmaker contributed directly to two of the team's six goals in Friday's blowout win. He only recorded 26 points in the regular season, tallying 15 goals and 11 assists across 82 contests. While he posted a solid stat line in Game 3, he shouldn't operate as one of the Canadiens' go-to offensive weapons throughout the series.

Dvorak scored a goal in Friday's 6-3 win over the Capitals in Game 3. He added three shots on goal, one hit and two blocked shots.

Dvorak has found the back of the net in back-to-back contests, and this is the first time he's achieved that feat since mid-March when he recorded goals versus Florida and Ottawa. Dvorak will aim to extend his scoring streak to three games in Game 4 of the series Sunday.

McMichael scored a goal in Friday's 6-3 loss to Montreal in Game 3.

McMichael has scored three of the Capitals' last six goals in the series. The 24-year-old has found the back of the net with three of his last five shots on goal. He opened the scoring in Game 3, finishing the contest with one shot and one hit. Washington holds a 2-1 series lead going into Game 4 on Sunday.

Barkov (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision versus Tampa Bay on Saturday in Game 3, Colby Guy of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Barkov will participate in pregame warmups to test the injury, but coach Paul Maurice believes the 29-year-old forward will play. Barkov left Thursday's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay following a big hit from Lightning winger Brandon Hagel, which resulted in a five-minute major for interference and a one-game suspension for Hagel. Should Barkov miss the afternoon tilt, Tomas Nosek could enter the lineup.

MacEwen (personal), along with forwards Angus Crookshank, Stephen Halliday, Cole Reinhardt, Jan Jenik, Tyler Boucher, Garrett Pilon and Wyatt Bongiovanni, defenseman Donovan Sebrango and goaltender Mads Sogaard, were recalled from AHL Belleville on Saturday.

MacEwen took an indefinite leave of absence Jan. 21 from the Senators and returned to AHL Belleville on March 4. He managed two goals and five assists in eight games upon his return. None of the players called up should play in the postseason, barring a slew of injuries.