Adam Larsson: A Tale of 2 Plays in New Jersey Devils' Loss to Capitals

New Jersey Devils rookie defenseman Adam Larsson, drafted fourth overall this summer, has proven to be a pleasant surprise on the blue line in Newark this fall.

The teenager from Skelleftea, Sweden had one of the biggest thrills any young player can have on Friday night, when he slapped a shot past the glove of Washington Capitals goaltender Tomas Vokoun for his first career NHL goal.

The puck came back to Larsson at the right point, and he let it fly for a goal he'll never forget.

Unfortunately, the Devils couldn't make that goal stand in losing for the first time since November 2. Larsson was one of the players victimized by Capitals winger Jason Chimera early in the third period while the Capitals were skating shorthanded.

Chimera powered past two Devils in the neutral zone, sped past Larsson's attempted pokecheck in the defensive zone, and then swept in and put the puck past Martin Brodeur for what turned out to be the game-winning goal in Washington's 3-1 triumph.

No doubt it's a play Larsson would like to have back, but at just 18 (he actually turns 19 on Saturday), he has his whole career ahead of him and will only improve. He's proven to be a steady performer so far at the highest level of hockey in the world.

At a time when other kids are playing junior, college or simply deciding what to do with their lives post-high school, the young defenseman is succeeding on the biggest stage in the hockey world with a former NHL powerhouse.

When the Devils do regain their elite status, the No. 5 will be among the leaders who helped them get there.