From the opening faceoff, the Capitals dominated puck possession, fenced Florida in its own zone and buzzed around 21-year-old goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who was making his first NHL start. Markstrom, a 2008 second-round draft pick, finished with 29 saves and showed why the Panthers value him so much.
And value him they do. Rare is the case when a young goaltender makes such a crystal clear statement about potential to his employer. Ten minutes into the game, Washington was on pace for 42 shots before Florida settled into a more familiar mode, trading scoring chances on a relatively even field.
Unshaken through it all, Markstrom remained composed and in control of his crease when the situation – in the hands of a lesser talent – could easily have closed out with a goal deficit much worse than the two he allowed (one on an early powerplay). It truly was a monster test for the kid, made doubly difficult given the escalating pile of lost one-on-one battles and the Caps’ sheer mastery along the boards. And the neutral zone. And the forecheck. And on and on.
Yes, the night ended with an “L” – and it was quite deserved on a number of levels – but for those following his development, Markstrom really stole the evening.