[Ed. Note: Welcome to VentureCapitals, a new weekly series by Greg Wyshynski covering the Washington Capitals and the National Hockey League. Wyshynski is an editor with The Connection Newspapers of Northern Virginia, and has been writing about hockey for several publications over the last 10 seasons. VentureCapitals will publish once a week on SportsFanMagazine.com and DCSportsDay.com, or more than once when there is a key game, breaking news and developing stories. E-mail Greg at jestersquart@hotmail.com with any questions or comments.]

For all the attention paid to their deficiencies on special teams last season — which, to be honest, were the difference between being in the playoff hunt and wallowing in the basement of the division — the Washington Capitals didn’t exactly shine at even strength last season, either.

Overall, the Capitals surrendered 2,880 shots on goal in 2005-06, worst in the National Hockey League. Although many of those came while shorthanded (the Capitals led the NHL in opponents’ power-play chances), it’s safe to say that Washington’s goaltenders saw more rubber on the job than a quality control specialist at a prophylactics factory.

This season, the Capitals (1-1-2, 4th in the Southeast Division) haven’t gotten much better when it comes to shots allowed, surrendering an average of 33 shots per game in their first four contests.

But the team has shown some improvement in one facet of its game: even-strength play.

Last season, the Capitals scored 135 and gave up 146 goals at 5-on-5. Through four games this year, the Capitals have scored eight goals and given up seven — not exactly a revolutionary turnaround, but a solid sign of encouragement that Washington’s team defense is starting to solidify.

Free-agent acquisition Brian Pothier is at the forefront of that turnaround. His smooth skating and quick release on his passes have provided a confident presence on a team that certainly lacked one last season.

"Maybe he’s an unknown guy in the league because he played in Ottawa behind four all-star defensemen," said goalie Olie Kolzig. "But he’s a very solid player, who can skate and play positionally sound hockey."

Pothier said playing with the Senators gave him solid experience, but that the Capitals’ defense isn’t as green as some make it out to be. "We have some guys that have experience," he said. "They’ve got a lot of games played and they’re good hockey players."

To be good 5-on-5, the Capitals’ defense can’t just be good in its own end but also contribute offensively. Pothier has done just that, tallying four assists in four games. So has Ben Clymer, whose strong keep-and-shoot from the point allowed winger Chris Clark to score the team’s second goal in its 4-3 OT loss to Atlanta on Saturday night. Second-year defenseman Mike Green has shown several signs of offensive spark, including a brilliant little set-play with center Dainius Zubrus in overtime last Saturday in which he drew two defenders and then nearly tipped Zubrus’s shot in for a potential game-winning goal.

The key for the Capitals this season is a total team effort. That means defensemen helping on offense…but more importantly, forwards keeping their defensive responsibilities in mind.

"Our defense isn’t just based on the ‘D’ and the goalies," said Kolzig, "it’s the forwards coming back as well."

* There’s no debate about whether Olie Kolzig has surrendered a startling amount of rebounds so far this season. Sometimes they’re intentional, helping to bail the Capitals out of a defensive quagmire. But against the Thrashers, Kolzig gave up an awful rebound in the third period that went off the glove of Atlanta winger Scott Mellanby, who swept the puck into the net with his stick for a 3-2 lead. It’s a trend that deserves scrutiny as the season goes on.

* THE SHAONE MORRISON OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION WATCH: Last season, defenseman Shaone Morrisonn didn't score his first goal until April 7 against Carolina. Through four games this season, Morrison has no goals and no assists on two shots. Check back frequently for more on this developing story…

* The Capitals host the Florida Panthers (3-2-1, 3rd in the Southeast) on Wednesday night, travel to Atlanta (4-1-1, 1st in the Southeast) on Thursday night and then host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. Then it’s off to the West Coast until November, as the Flames, Oilers and Canucks will see Alexander Ovechkin for the first time…

* The Washington Capitals will be supporting WALK NOW Saturday, Oct. 21, on the National Mall. Goaltender Olie Kolzig, the co-founder of Athletes Against Autism, is the honorary chairman of the event, which benefits Cure Autism Now. Caps players’ wives and girlfriends will participate in the walk. For more information, visit www.walknow.org/06dcwk/capitals

* Capitals fans at Saturday night’s game against Tampa Bay can participate in the Halloween Puck Surprise, in which a $25 donation to Washington Capitals Charities gives them a Washington Capitals puck and Halloween candy. Almost every puck has been signed by a Capitals player – if a fan purchases a puck that isn’t autographed, they will get to meet right wing Richard Zednik, who will sign it for them personally after the game. And the way things are going for Zednik this season, the more pucks he sees, the better…

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Questions, comments and hockey related rants can be sent to Greg Wyshynski at jestersquart@hotmail.com.