WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Capitals' 2011-12 season is just 20 minutes old, but the team picked up right where they left off in a scoreless first period against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes have a 10-7 advantage in shots and dictated most of the tempo despite being shorthanded twice. The Caps' power play did not convert on either chance, which were separated by only 12 seconds when Chad LaRose committed a penalty right after Alexei Ponikarovsky's ended. Meanwhile, the Caps' penalty kill killed off Alex Ovechkin's cross checking penalty.

Michal Neuvirth made 10 saves, many of which came from in the slot as Carolina continued to press and pin Washington in its own defensive zone. Brian Boucher, on the other hand, made seven saves, but most of them came from the point.

Visit Japers' Rink to talk about the game with fellow Capitals fans. For more on the Hurricanes, visit Canes Country.