Photo: Dinamo Minsk
Washington Capitals forward prospect Aliaksei Protas scored his third goal of the KHL season on Friday.
The tally came on the power play late in the second period against Avtomobilist.
🥳Третья шайба Алексея Протаса в КХЛ! pic.twitter.com/3XFXG9FOKe
— Хоккей Беларуси | Hockey.by (@hockey_blr) September 25, 2020
“I enjoyed playing. Avtomobilist is an aggressive attacking team. I am glad that we managed to win and that we did not concede in the end, playing reliably in the minority (penalty kill). This is a good team victory!”, said Protas after the game.
“A very good start to the season, which some might not have expected. But we knew what we were preparing for, and that’s why it was such a start. Hopefully we will progress. As for the goal: thanks a lot to the partners for the pass.“
Protas was asked about his play to date.
“I believe that I am producing in many aspects, and of course one should keep producing. It seems to me that the speed of decision-making should be better, because in a very serious league, and any kind of relaxation can lead to a missed puck or affect the outcome of the game. You should always try to add and progress.”
Protas was also asked about his team’s play, as Dynamo Minsk is off to their best start in the history of the KHL.
“Yes, we have a very good team. The guys are constantly fighting for each other, for the fans and the city. The result comes thanks to hard work and a competent approach to training the coaching staff and the entire team. We are making progress after a good pre-season preparation. Of course, it’s nice to win. We will try to continue in the same spirit, that is, to please the fans.”
All three of Protas’ goals in the KHL this season have come on the power play.
He scored his first career KHL goal against Salavat Yulaev Ufa on September 7 in Minsk.
The 6’6″ center scored his second career KHL goal against Vityaz on September 15.
GOAL – Alexei Protas scores one on the powerplay.#ALLCAPS | 🎥#KHL pic.twitter.com/AA7X6JCuHJ
— Dylan Griffing (@Dylan_Griffing) September 15, 2020
Protas has played in eight games in the KHL so far (one game was forfeited and another game was postponed).
The 19-year-old continues to center the fourth line, where he has played for all of the regular season. He’s averaging 12 shifts a game and 13 minutes of even-strength ice time, and getting significant time on the power play.
By Jon Sorensen
