WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals know that their lines are going to take some time to gel, and in turn, mistakes are bound happen here and there; they're just part of the game.
Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery described the home opener as a great learning experience for rookie center Ilya Protas despite third-line struggles against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Protas skated on a line with his brother Aliaksei Protas and Jordan Kyrou during Wednesday's home-opening win, finishing with a minus-3 rating at 5-on-5.
Carbery highlighted a key turnover by the 20-year-old at the offensive blue line while protecting a 4-1 lead, which allowed Tommy Novak to score on a rebound. Despite the defensive miscue and low possession figures, Carbery remains confident that the line will develop chemistry as the season progresses.
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