It’s just July 13 and we’re a long way from any meaningful hockey games. But at Kettler Iceplex on Wednesday afternoon most of the Capitals top prospects got a jump start on 2011-12 with a competitive scrimmage. Whether these players will be in Washington next season, AHL Hershey, ECHL South Carolina or with their college or Canadian junior teams, this is a chance to impress the front office and NHL coaching staff and lay the foundation for future years.

Pretty entertaining contest. The Red team controlled play for most of the afternoon and went on to a 4-2 victory. There were goals from forwards Caleb Herbert, Stanislav Galiev, Travis Boyd and Aaron Schmit. White team goalie Philipp Grubauer actually made some fine saves midway through the second period to keep the game close – even if he did allow two goals. Not bad for a kid who last played a competitive game in February thanks to developing mononucleosis during the junior season at Kinston. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau didn’t want to go too far with any comparisons, but said Grubauer’s ability to smother the puck in traffic reminded him of Michal Neuvirth.