The playoffs are when simply getting chances is not enough. The third line had a ton of chances last night too, but I don't see people clamoring for Eller or Mangiapane to get more ice time. Protas with PLD & Wilson went 13 GF / 5 GA at 5 on 5 in the regular season and controlled nearly 60% of shot attempts.
The idea isn't to punish McMichael but to establish two high end scoring lines. If Beau falters, you can mix it up, but that's what I would roll for the first game Protas is healthy for.
Also, a reminder that Stephenson, Vrana, and Eller (due to injury) all had turns in the top 6 during the 2018 run. This is not a permanent demotion. Connor will have an important role to play if the Caps have a deep run in them.