Capitals Make Final Cuts

The Capitals have presumeably made their final cuts before Thursday night’s season opener against the Boston Bruins.  Being sent back to Hersey are Karl Alzner, Alexandre Giroux, Keith Aucoin, and Brandon Sugden.  One interesting note is that Giroux and Aucoin will be forced to clear waivers before heading back to the AHL Hersey Bears.

With Thomas Fleishmann and Eric Fehr both on IR this gives opportunities to Chris Bourque and Quintin Laing.  Both have survived “final” cuts and are expected to play Thursday night. 

I must admit I’m somewhat surprised, but not shocked about Karl Alzner being sent back to Hersey.  He had a strong camp and played well in pressure-packed games last year.  This is no knock on Tyler Sloan who was also very solid defensively and has more experience than Alzner.  Sloan will be the seventh or eighth defenseman along with Jeff Schultz.  Don’t be surprised to see Alzner up with the Caps at some point this season, especially if Schulz or Sloan struggle.

All in all, it is a strong lineup for the Caps on Thursday.  Expect Jose Theodore in net as Boudreau has made it very public that he is the number one goalie.

More to come if anything else transpires from Capitals camp.