Ryan Leonard gets on the board and the rookie notches his first career playoff point

In the second period of Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens Ryan Leonard recorded the first NHL playoff point of his career by picking up the secondary assist on a critical Washington goal.

The 20-year-old rookie forward helped set up the goal by giving the Capitals a lead in front of a fired-up home crowd at Capital One Arena.

The play developed off the rush with Ryan Leonard making a smart read in transition to help maintain puck control in the offensive zone.

And while he didn't register the primary helper, his vision and poise under pressure were key to keeping the sequence alive and the result was another big goal for the Washington Capitals and a career first for its rookie.

Ryan Leonard who was the Capitals' 2023 first-round pick has been praised by head coach Spencer Carbery for his ability to step into the NHL lineup late in the season and adapt quickly.

Especially since he was under the intensity of postseason hockey and he made his debut in early April and has brought energy, grit and strong two-way play in a bottom-six role.

For Ryan Leonard who is already looking right at home on NHL ice, this first playoff point is likely just the beginning and in a tight, physical series against a fast and fearless Canadiens team, his emergence could be a quiet X-factor as the Capitals look to take full control of the matchup.