The rookies in the NHL are making a huge impression on the fans nationwide. Everybody knows what John Tavares is doing for the Islanders as well as Niclas Bergfors in New Jersey, but there are two freshman goaltenders making a splash as well – Washington’s Semyon Varlamov and Boston’s Tuukka Rask. Both were first-round draft picks; Rask in 2005 and Varlamov in 2006, and both are dominating shooters across the league.

Varlamov and Rask are competing at levels far beyond what is expected of rookie goaltenders. Rask leads all rookies with a .932 save percentage and 1.97 goals against average. Varlamov is second in both categories at .924 and 2.21, but he is first in wins with 12 and shutouts with two. Rask is third and second in each at 10 and one. Based on how important you think each category is, or your geographical location, you may believe that one goalie is better than the other.

The Finnish-born Rask and the Russian-born Varlamov are quickly proving that the best young goalies don’t only come from Montreal. The pair are quickly shaping up to being among top contenders for this season’s Calder Memorial Trophy winner (or whatever it’s called come next June), and if they can continue their hot play, their names will certainly be tossed in with Tavares and Bergfors. But there’s still a lot of season to go for these kids, and if either of their teams are in a playoff race, their inexperience may prevent them from being top choice.

With a 6-1 win over Colorado on Tuesday night, the Capitals took the overall NHL points lead. Varlamov and Jose Theodore have combined as a pair of number-one goalies to raise Washington to first in the east. On any given night, either may play and neither will be underestimated. Meanwhile, Boston currently sits fifth in the east, 10 points back of Washington’s lead. Rask and Thomas have formed a similar tandim, with Thomas being trusted against the “tougher” teams. Both Rask and Varlamov are showing value beyond their years, and, while not a distinct possibility this early, but a Bruins-Capitals series in the playoffs would be a dandy to watch.