Screencap: @Capitals

The Washington Capitals’ rookies have had a phenomenal start to the 2021-22 season thus far. It continued Tuesday night as the team clashed with the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. Center Connor McMichael opened the scoring with his third goal and eleven seconds later, forward Beck Malenstyn scored his first career goal.

McMichael gave the Capitals’ an early 1-0 lead 5:52 into the first period. Defenseman Nick Jensen assisted.

Be like Mike(y)! pic.twitter.com/Q68wMymQpZ

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 1, 2021

McMichael has recorded eight points (3g, 5a) in 21 games this season.

Eleven seconds later, Malenstyn extended the Captials’ lead, 2-0, with his first NHL goal. Forward Brett Leason and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk had the helpers.

Add another one to the ‘first NHL goal’ tally for the Caps this season! pic.twitter.com/afrHvNhqri

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 1, 2021

Leason earned the primary assist on Malenstyn’s goal, which is his second of the season. Capitals rookies have combined for 25 points this season.

Additionally, Malenstyn became the seventh different Capitals rookie this season to score his first career goal.

Malenstyn is the seventh different Capitals rookie this season to score his first career goal, joining Aliaksei Protas, Hendrix Lapierre, Martin Fehervary, Connor McMichael, Brett Leason and Garrett Pilon. All seven players are Capitals’ draft picks.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 1, 2021

Washington scored two goals in a span of 11 seconds or less for the 19th time in franchise and second this season (Nov. 11 at DET). Two other teams have scored twice in that span or less this season: Edmonton (0:08 on Nov. 14), Tampa Bay (0:10 on Oct. 26) and Montreal (0:11 on Nov. 27).

we would like to formally wish ourselves the best of luck tonight in our game against the Florida Panthers pic.twitter.com/4tkU5RqyfE

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) November 30, 2021

By Della Young