Every year there are a handful of breakout players who take a step up in their production and take on a bigger role for their respective NHL teams. Some of these players blossom into superstars and get their plaudits for it. But some fly beneath the radar, growing into key roles without receiving a ton of mainstream attention.
The hulking 6-foot-6 Belarusian winger has blasted past his career highs this season. Protas had 13 goals in 169 NHL games across his first three seasons for Washington. This year, he already has 29 goals through 67 games, as well as 30 assists. And when you take into account that 54 of his 59 points thus far have come at even strength – ranking him eighth in the NHL, which is just two points behind Connor McDavid – you get a player who’s gone from being a bottom-six forward to a top producer for the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals.
Aliaksei Protas studs against San Jose Sharks
This right here is brillant stick work by Aliaksei Protas that was part of a three goal first period attack.
"Second period, I thought we got pushed a little bit. Started to get a little careless in the second. The first period, we knew in this building, we needed to have a fast start, and that's exactly what we did. "Spencer Carbery
It was Protas' 29th goal of the season and his 27th goal at even strength which ranks tied for third in the NHL. Only Leon Draisatil (34) and Tage Thompson (29) have more even strength goals than Protas.
