The Washington Capitals are full steam ahead toward their pursuit of the franchise's second Stanley Cup. Amidst names like Ovechkin, Wilson and Carlson, young prospects in the NCAA may go unrecognized by the general public. Cole Hutson: Defenseman, Boston University. 2024 2nd Round, 43rd Overall.

The Washington Capitals will try to turn things around on Friday night in the Windy City, as Alex Ovechkin and company get set to visit the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Capitals have made an announcement regarding the immediate future of Aliaksei Protas and his current injury status.

The Capitals will have a key forward back in the mix on Friday against the Blackhawks with Aliaksei Protas ready to return.

CHICAGO -- Connor Bedard said he’s ready to return from his upper-body injury for the Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-7) against the Washington Capitals (22-16-6) at United Center on Friday (8 p.m. ET; CHSN, MNMT2, NHLN, SNP, TVAS).

The Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-7, 43 points) ride a four-game winning streak into Friday night’s matchup with the Washington Capitals (22-16-6, 50 points), who have lost three of their last four, with Connor Bedard potentially ready to return at the United Center.

The Washington Capitals host the Dallas Stars after Justin Sourdif's hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks in the Capitals' 7-4 win

The Washington Capitals have struck gold with the "MLS" line, and they recaptured that immediate spark once again in Chicago. The Connor McMichael-Justin Sourdif-Ryan Leonard combination stepped up again, and Alex Ovechkin stayed hot to power D.C. to a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.