"Dwayne Roloson and the Tampa Bay Lightning are together for all the right seasons.

Minutes after his home debut against the Washington Capitals on Friday, in which he recorded a shutout to secure a 3-0 win that put the Lightning in sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division, the 41-year-old goalie identified one of the elements he'd come to appreciate about his new team.

"Their work ethic, their tenacity, their willingness, everything to achieve the ultimate goal," he said. "Everyone's mindset and direction is pointed towards the ultimate goal and that's great."

Fittingly, the fervor he senses from the organization that acquired him in a trade on New Year's Day is the same quality they like in him.

"He's one of the first on the ice and last one to leave," Lightning goaltending consultant Frantz Jean said. "He always wants a couple of extra reps. I'm very impressed by him to tell you the truth, that at 41, to still have that drive and dedication to get better."

His new teammates are impressed.

"He's amazing," All-Star center Steven Stamkos said. "I had a chance to play with Roli at the World Championships two summers ago, so I know what he's all about. He's a big performer. It's amazing what he can do at his age. He's still one of the most energetic guys out there."

His rise through the NHL is one of the more inspiring in the league. Born in 1969 in Ontario, Canada, Roloson was undrafted and played four seasons at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He signed with the Calgary Flames as a free agent in 1994 and played two seasons with their minor-league affiliate. In 1996, he made it to the NHL and in 2004 was a first-time all-star with the Minnesota Wild. That same season, he received the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award for having the league's best save percentage at .933.

"I played college hockey and I came in late to college and I graduated later so I didn't have the young miles on a still-developing body," Roloson said."