Game information/links
Game preview
Tonight, a hockey game will be played in Toronto between two teams unlikely to make the playoffs. So let’s focus on the more nuanced storylines.
Ilya Protas will make his NHL debut with the Capitals and skate on a line between his older brother Aliaksei and Tom Wilson. The line is a combined 700 pounds — the heaviest in the league. The call-up, even though he’s just 19, feels like a long time coming, considering how much Little Pro has dominated the AHL this season.
Ilya has appeared, at least to me, to be ready for the NHL since the end of October and would have likely masterfully filled in with Pierre-Luc Dubois out injured for most of the year. Perhaps even, the trajectory of this season would have looked different with the front office being more aggressive.
But tonight, hopefully, Ilya just shows flashes of just how talented he is and how effective a player he is near the net.
Tonight also could mark Alex Ovechkin‘s final game in Canada, if he ends up calling it quits this summer. Will the Leafs honor him in any way?
Puck drop for tonight’s game is a little after 7:30 pm. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have the call on Monumental Sports Network.
Must-read RMNB stories
- Alex Ovechkin will decide on NHL future this summer, no announcement expected before end of season
- Alex Ovechkin is the Capitals’ nominee for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
- Let’s make the Capitals’ final game in Columbus this season feel like a home game
- Alex Ovechkin takes pointed questions about NHL future from Toronto media: ‘I don’t know if it’s the end or not’
- Capitals grapple with Alex Ovechkin’s potential retirement: ‘It’s going to be a sad day whenever he decides to hang them up’
Lines
Washington Capitals
Toronto Maple Leafs
Goalie matchup
Tunnel shenanigans
1st Period
Puck is dropped. Aliaksei Protas gets the start with Alex Ovechkin and his older brother Aliaksei Protas.
Ilya Protas gets bulldozed over by John Tavares in front of the net. That may be his welcome to the NHL moment right there.
Cole Hutson rips a shot off the post.
On his next shot, Stolarz makes a left pad save, but appears to have really injured himself in the groin or knee. Really tough break there.
Joseph Woll is replacing him in net 2:34 into the game.
Woll makes big saves on Ryan Leonard and Alex Ovechkin.
Max Domi has bloodied the Easter Bunny, I mean Ryan Leonard, with a high-stick. He’s getting a double minor at first here and officials are viewing the play.
Power play
Max Domi high-sticking penalty at 7:53 (2 mins)
The Caps power play can’t score.
Anthony Beauvillier with a fantastic sauce pass to Dylan Strome who fires a one-timer past Woll on a two-on-one. The Toronto boy scores!
1-0 Washington Capitals
Goal: Dylan Strome (19). Assists: A. Beauvillier (13), M. Fehérváry (20). Time: 13:22
Penalty kill
Ryan Leonard holding penalty at 18:32
At intermission: The Capitals lead the Leafs 1-0. Shots on goal are 7-7.
2nd Period
Puck is dropped.
Tom Wilson to Ryan Leonard right out of the penalty box. Leno rips a wicked shot past Woll’s glove. NASTY.
2-0 Washington Capitals
Goal: Ryan Leonard (18). Assists: T. Wilson (30). Time: 0:40
Huge save by Logan.
Martin Fehervary scores off McCabe’s skate and in.
3-0 Washington Capitals
Goal: Martin Fehervary (5). Assists: D. Strome (38), J. Sourdif (19). Time: 2:53
Myers beats Thompson’s glove but it goes off the crossbar and out.
Power play
Max Domi hooking penalty at 5:02
At intermission: The Caps lead 3-0. Shots are tied 16-16.
3rd Period
Puck is dropped.
Ilya Protas records his first NHL point on a Cole Hutson empty-net goal! His brother Aliaksei records the primary assist.
4-0 Washington Capitals
ENG: Cole Hutson (3). Assists: A. Protas (26), I. Protas (1). Time: 16:10
Penalty kill
Ryan Leonard hooking penalty at 18:17
Caps shut out the Leafs 4-0.
Caps beat Leafs 4-0 as Logan Thompson closes out a shutout for once
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