Capitals Youngsters Earn High Marks After Season's Opening Weekend

The Capitals' opening night lineup featured three rookies: one forward, one defenseman, and one goaltender.  While Neuvirth's performance has been slightly uneven, losing to lowly Atlanta on Friday and defeating contender New Jersey on Saturday, the two freshmen skaters are opening eyes with their play.  

Marcus Johansson, the Capitals' 2009 first-round pick, has been a great two-way centerman for the Caps in the early going, using his speed and explosiveness to create chances in the offensive zone and playing solid defensive hockey in his own end.  

Johansson has averaged over 13 minutes per game and saw time on the penalty kill in each of the Capitals' first two games.  Additionally, he saw over two minutes of time on the power play on Saturday and was effective in creating time and space with his speed.  

If there was any question as to whether Johannson has the speed and skill to play in the NHL, it appears those doubts have been silenced with his play this weekend.  

While Johansson was very impressive, the most impressive rookie has been defenseman John Carlson.  Carlson has been the Capitals' best blueliner and is improving with each game.  

While he hasn't been among the Capitals' leaders in ice time, he has been playing on both the penalty kill and the power play and has been a force in a variety of ways.  

After the Caps surrendered an early goal on Saturday in the home opener, Carlson coolly fired a laser over Martin Brodeur's shoulder to tie the game. 

In the second period, Carlson then set up the eventual tying and game-winning goals to finish with three points on the night, good for the game's second star.  

What was almost as impressive was Carlson coming to Johansson's aid after the Devils went after him in the third period.  He plays and carries himself with a confidence and swagger that belies his age, which is a welcome addition to the Caps locker room.  

The new season represents hope and opportunity for the Caps, as they look to finally capture their first Stanley Cup.  Whether they get there this season or not, the future looks bright after the early play of their 2010-11 rookies.