Top 3 impact Capitals to watch against Penguins

The top 3 Washignton Captials players to watch in tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on Hulu and ESPN plus.

Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals
Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Aliaksei Protas, Washington Capitals
Aliaksei Protas, Washington Capitals | Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Aliaksei Protas

A big part of Mantha's success has been his line mate Aliaksei Protas. He has recorded five assists in his last six games. The 2019 third rounder that was drafted by the Capitals at 91st overall had a career long four game point and assist streak that came to an end on Dec. 29 at the Islanders.

Protas four game assist streak was the longest by a Capital this season. He ranks second on the Caps in assists behind john Carlson and second in primary assists behind Alex Ovechkin this season. Eight of Protas' 15 assists have been primary.

With an assist on Dec. 23 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on a goal by Anthony Mantha, Protas established a new single season career high in points with in 28 fewer games played. He has led the Caps in points since Nov. 1 with 17 in 26 games.

Protas leads the Caps with 17 even strength points this season and ranks first in the NHL in points per 60 minutes at five on five among skaters with at least 30 games played with 5.17.

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