Defencemen Karl Alzner and John Carlson are doing everything it takes to get into Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau's good books.

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Washington Capitals' rookie Karl Alzner, seen here with the Calgary Hitmen.

Photograph by : Ted Rhodes for Calgary Herald

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The pair were singled out by the second-year bench boss Tuesday after a Capitals rookie camp workout.

"You hate to say the same guys, but Alzner looks like he wants to play - and not in the rookie game," Boudreau told the Washington Post. "The thing I like about him is he takes direction so well. You can tell he's played at a high level."

"The guy who has surprised me the most is Carlson," Boudreau said. "He's come in great shape and has done a great job."

Alzner, the fifth-overall selection in the 2007 NHL draft, had seven goals and 29 assists in 60 games with the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen last season.

Alzner might be able to challenge for a spot on the NHL roster this year, but could also be headed to the American Hockey League.

Carlson, meanwhile, was taken in the first round of the 2008 NHL draft and will likely play for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League this year, according to the Post. He scored 12 goals and 31 assists in 59 games with the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League last season.