Here’s a mind-boggling fact: Aliaksei Protas has rewritten the Washington Capitals’ record books in the most unexpected way. He now holds the franchise record for the most goals scored at the start of a career without a single power-play goal. Yes, you read that right—zero power-play goals in 52 career tallies. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Protas isn’t just breaking records; he’s redefining what it means to be a goal-scoring force in the NHL.
Protas burst onto the scene during the 2024-25 season, netting 30 goals in 76 games. Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, he’s on pace for another 25 goals, solidifying his role as a consistent scorer. What makes his achievement so unique? It’s not his speed or size—it’s his ability to thrive exclusively in five-on-five situations. According to Monumental Sports Network, Protas has surpassed Capitals legend Jay Beagle, who scored 51 goals without a power-play tally during his 646-game NHL career. Beagle, however, logged just 32:26 of power-play ice time in his 471 games with the Capitals. Protas? He’s already racked up 92:06 of power-play time in 274 games, yet the puck still hasn’t found the back of the net during those opportunities.
But here’s the part most people miss: Protas isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s a key component of what MoneyPuck calls the league’s best five-on-five forward line, alongside Tom Wilson and Justin Sourdif. With this trio on the ice this season, the Capitals have outscored opponents 9-2, dominating with 72% of expected goals and high-danger chances. And this is where it gets controversial: Should Protas be given more power-play opportunities, or is his five-on-five dominance enough to justify his role?
With Ryan Leonard sidelined due to an upper-body injury, Protas finally got a brief 12-second look on the power play against the Blue Jackets. But is that enough? Ethen Frank took Leonard’s spot on the top unit, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: Is Protas being overlooked, or is his record-breaking five-on-five success the perfect niche for him?
Other Capitals greats like Ken Klee, Gaetan Duchesne, and Boyd Gordon also started their careers without power-play goals, but eventually found the net during man-advantage situations. Duchesne scored nine power-play goals in his career, Klee six, and Gordon two—all after slow starts. So, the question remains: Will Protas break his power-play drought, or will he continue to carve out his legacy as the ultimate five-on-five specialist?
What do you think? Is Protas’ lack of power-play goals a missed opportunity, or is his current role maximizing his unique talents? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!
