Photo credit: Larry MacDougal

The Washington Capitals have been terrible defensively this year. There have, however, been a few bright spots. While he hasn’t looked fantastic (who has so far?), rookie Nate Schmidt has held his own after being called up to replace an injured Jack Hillen. Right now, he’s skating big minutes with a guy named Mike Green. The 22-year-old was playing college hockey just seven months ago and has played in fewer than two dozen professional games. And Saturday, Schmidt got the first point of his young NHL career.

It’s Schmidt’s big shot from the point that Aaron Volpatti puts in. At the time, it was a big goal. If the defense had been able to hold the Flames there, it could have led to a comeback victory for Washington. It didn’t. Still, congrats, kid.

Media by Ian Oland

Audio of Volpatti’s goal from John Walton.