Ilya Protas had a first in the Washington Capitals’ 4-3 preseason win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tuesday.
The younger Pro scored his first professional goal while driving the Blue Jackets’ net on a two-on-one with Bogdan Trineyev.
“aliaksei is smiling,” the Capitals tweeted on social media.
Ilya’s pass banked off Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson and under goaltender Jet Greaves to give the Capitals a 3-1 lead 10:10 into the second period.
“I saw the D try to dive,” Ilya said postgame. “I tried to pass behind him, and he put his stick on it, and I got lucky, and it went five hole.”
As for how his “coach” and older brother, Aliaksei, would react to his tally, Ilya did not think he would be impressed. “He will say ‘nothing but luck,'” Ilya told Monumental Sports Network’s Al Koken.
Ilya finished the game with 14:11 of ice time and added two shot blocks. Per Hockey Stat Cards, Little Pro finished with the sixth-highest game score on the Capitals.
“Feels great, you know, always,” Ilya said. “Always try to help team win, whether it’s goal or good play.”
Ilya now has two points in three preseason appearances during camp this year. He went scoreless in his only exhibition game last year before being sent to the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires for the season.
“It’s huge opportunities and I’m always proud to put the jersey (on) and play preseason games and try to play my best,” Ilya said. “It’s unbelievable experience.”
