The Washington Capitals have been searching for goals this season. Instead of being powered by a high-flying offense, the Caps’ defense, which allows the fourth-fewest goals against per game, has led them to a 13-6-2 record. On Thursday, Washington will deploy its latest effort to energize their attack when Jakub Vrana, their 20-year-old 2014 first-round pick, takes to the ice against the New York Islanders in his NHL debut.

“I was napping after practice so I got a wake up call,” Vrana told reporters at Kettler Capitals Iceplex Thursday morning, explaining how he learned the news. “I’m very pumped.”

“I missed the call a few times,” Vrana finally admitted with a smirk.

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Caps’ 2014 first round draft pick (#13 overall), Jakub Vrana, set to play first @nhl game tonight. #CapsIsles #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/9C3g3sTQ0o

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 1, 2016

Last season, Vrana dominated in his first full season in North America, despite missing much of the season due to injury. In the regular-season, the Czech forward had 34 points in 36 games before lighting the lamp eight times during the postseason. His success has continued into this season, with nine goals in just 18 games.

“I’m a good skater,” Vrana said, sizing up his game. “I try to skate a lot and shoot the puck and create offense.”

In training camp, Vrana and a few of his fellow skilled prospected were beaten out for a shot on the team by Zach Sanford, who impressed the Capitals with a brilliant stint at the team’s development camp last July. Sanford was great during the preseason as well, but only registered one point in 19 games this season before being sent down Wednesday to make room — on the salary cap spreadsheet and the roster — for Vrana.

Vrana will be thrown right into the fire, skating with Andre Burakovsky and Evgeny Kuznetsov on Washington’s second line. According to Ben Raby, the Caps will dress 9 of their own first-round picks among their 18 skaters tonight.

Kuzy/Burkie/Vrana squaded up at #CapsIsles morning skate. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/vj5zliKepl

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 1, 2016

A few thousand miles away, and six hours ahead, Vrana’s parents will be watching their son take his first shifts in the NHL on television early in the morning in Prague. Vrana called them with the news last night.

“It was a good feeling for me to see them happy,” he said.

Jakub Vrana said he wants his name to be pronounced "Jacob" and is also okay with being called Jake, like Jake Voracek.

— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) December 1, 2016