TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 08: Ilya Protas #62 of the Washington Capitals takes a rookie lap prior to playing in his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on April 08, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 08: Ilya Protas #62 of the Washington Capitals takes a rookie lap prior to playing in his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on April 08, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 08: Ilya Protas #62 of the Washington Capitals takes a rookie lap prior to playing in his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on April 08, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, left, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin motions to the crowd after he scored his 1,000th career goal combining regular season and playoffs during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Colorado Avalanche's Martin Necas (88) celebrates after scoring against the St. Louis Blues during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Joe Puetz)

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) blocks a shot from the St. Louis Blues during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Joe Puetz)