Christian Djoos Scores in First Career NHL Game
(Caps Outsider)
Caps defenseman Christian Djoos was drafted in 2012. That might as well be 10 years ago. Since then, he’s played in Sweden, and a couple of full seasons with the Hershey Bears.
With the Caps’ third-pairing of defenders not in such shambles since the pre-Matt Niskanen–Brooks Orpik days, Djoos deserved a shot, especially after a less than-stellar performance by Taylor Chorney against Tampa Bay on Monday.
Djoos (pronounced Juice, I think), took a tripping penalty in the second period and things weren’t looking so great. He played four shifts in the first period and six in the second. But a late slapshot in the period, giving him the first goal of his career, gave the Caps some life. When Alex Ovechkin scored in the third period, Djoos assisted.
“It’s obviously a tough team to step into for your first game,” Brooks Orpik said of Djoos, who he was mixed and matched with a bit during the game. “He was really calm with the puck, he doesn’t panic. Made some really good plays there.”
The Caps lost, 3-2, but at least the young defender had a memorable game. He was the second star.
After the game, Barry Trotz praised Djoos for his play but reminded everyone that it’s only his first game and they would be patient with him.