Not So Fast, My Friend

by J.P. on Oct 6, 2008 8:07 PM EDT

"The Capitals made their final cuts this afternoon, sending Chris Bourque and Karl Alzner to Hershey[.]" - Capitals Insider, 4:14 PM on 10/6/08

"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Topsfield, Mass., native Chris Bourque has made a bold statement in his fourth professional season, and appears poised to earn a job with the Washington Capitals to start the 2008-09 campaign." - HockeyJournal.com, 5:34 PM on 10/6/08

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Well, he did earn the job, he just didn't get the job.

by Chris on Oct 6, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply actions

I'm not sure I agree - if he had earned the job, he'd have the job. Granted, he might have had to do more to earn a spot than some others because of circumstances.

by JP on Oct 6, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

No need to rehash the discussion going on in the comments of the other post. I definitely agree that there are arguments both ways on this, and obviously I am not coaching in the NHL. All I can say is that I saw a lot in Bourque this preseason, and I can see arguments for him on this team over a couple of the guys we will be starting the season with, that's all.

by Chris on Oct 6, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

I think that a couple of those guys - Fehr and Flash - are "fish or cut bait" guys, so there's a higher priority placed, right now, on those guys getting NHL minutes. And, of course, C-Bo can be sent down without having to go through waivers, so it's easier from the non-hockey side of things as well.

And lest you think I'm a C-Bo hater, I've actually got a replica of this jersey hanging in my closet.

by JP on Oct 6, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions

I had no intention of calling you a C-Bo hater, sir. Your past posts have led me to have a great deal of respect for your opinion. We agree on many things Caps.

by Chris on Oct 6, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

While I'm vaguely sad that Bourque and Alzner got sent to Hershey - and bummed about Laing - I understand why it happened, and I'm cool with that. BB knows what he's doing. :)

by I Rock the Red on Oct 6, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

@ I rock the red

I'm pretty sure Mcphee's the main one making the decisions as to who goes to Hershey and who stay. If Fehr didn't have to pass through waivers then I think Bourque makes the team.

by B19 on Oct 6, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

I thought Bourque played a better overall game than Fehr and more consistent than Flash. I agree with JP that it's fish or cut bait with the F's. Both will get plenty of opportunities on really good NHL lines this year. I'd wager that there's some unknown plateau that they'll need to hit or they're bait.

by Melvisdog on Oct 6, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply actions

I almost forgot that I would be very happy for Laing if he were to be picked up by another NHL team that could use him. I absolutely loved watching this guy play his guts out last year for the Caps, but the reality is he's not going to make it into too many NHL games this year. This team is stacked and he's not getting any younger.

by Melvisdog on Oct 6, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Stuff happens; freak injuries, bad performances by players whose names begin with "F". If I were Alzner and Bourque, I'd be renting in Hershey and keep a bag packed and by the door. They'll be back.

by b.orr4 on Oct 6, 2008 11:22 PM EDT reply actions

The most intriguing thing for me is how McPhee and Boudreau will handle the potential loss of a top 6 D-man. Do they call up Lepisto or Alzner? Who'd be the first? Or do they plug in Fedorov on D and call up Bourque?

My gut tells me they're committed to overcooking Alzner - to use a McPheeism - and we'll see Lepisto and/or Bourque before King Karl. But I thought Alzner started settling in towards the end of camp and he looks ready.

I can't wait to see this play out.

by breed16 on Oct 7, 2008 12:45 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think the F's are the only ones who either fish or cut bait, either. Erskine could well be on that list, and although Jurcina looked good when he was out there Sunday, he might be too.

We'll see. I'm not happy about them being sent down, but it is what it is and it's a numbers game.

As for Laing, ditto what other folks said. I'd like to see him find another place with another NHL team. The fact is that this team is so stacked right now it's not funny, and he deserves to be in the NHL, so let another team who could use some help see what they can do for him.

by this space for rent on Oct 7, 2008 11:32 AM EDT reply actions