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Making the Capitals, September 28 Edition

With no pre-season games remaining, all that’s left are some difficult decisions by GM George McPhee and Coach Bruce Boudreau, evaluating the body of work performed by those on the bubble to determine, by 15:00 on Wednesday, who makes the opening night roster, and who will ply his craft elsewhere.  While an early injury in season can quickly change the gameboard for one of these guys, there is unquestionably a certain prestige to having one’s name on the roster come day one of the regular season.  Here’s a look at the remaining battles, and how each player is trending (to be updated as warranted):

Goalies Trend Notes
Semyon Varlamov Varlamov flagged a bit in the third period yesterday, but so did the entire team. With Neuvirth still not cleared to play as of yesterday, it seems a foregone conclusion that Semyon will be in the lineup against Boston. Whether he starts or sits on the bench is anyone’s guess.
Michal Neuvirth The next “tweaking” for Neuvirth looks to be tweaking the Hershey Bears goaltending rotation to add his name to the front of it. But if he skates this morning, Coach says anything can happen.
Defensemen
Tyler Sloan Singled out as the best of the Sunday matinée on defense, along with John Erskine. Of course, there are still seven incumbents.
Karl Alzner Too many NHL-talented D in Washington right now. Simple as that. Update: Alzner has been cut.
Forwards
Keith Aucoin
Did just about all that he could do for his cause on Thursday night at MSG. Update: Aucoin has been cut.
Chris Bourque A goal and an assist, and an overzealous hit that led to a boarding call. Played with desperation yesterday.
Alexandre Giroux A surprise to see him out of the lineup yesterday. He’d have to clear waivers but, then again, other teams had an opportunity all summer to sign him. Update: Giroux has been cut.
Quintin Laing Brilliant again on the PK. Very effective fourth liner. Should be a done deal.
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