RED ALERT: Fleischmann nearing return

Mark ButerbaughOct 21, 2009

Well, DCPSR is certainly not where we want it to be, function and appearance wise due to the transition MVN is undergoing, but we are getting there. I must admit, I am a bit taken aback with how heavy the traffic has been, especially given our technical difficulties. Kudos to you all for refusing to give in to transition blues. But, transition or not, Red Alert and Caps coverage continues.

Flieschmann eyes return . . . Tomas Fleischmann is back practicing after missing preseason and the beginning of this season due to a blood clot that developed in his left leg. HC Bruce Boudreau has not set a time table on Flash’s return to the regular lineup, but his medical clearance was a first step. .

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“Fleischmann hasn’t had a scrimmage yet. He hasn’t even had a physical battle since [the playoffs],” Boudreau said. “It’s not like he skates with us once and he’s going to play. This is a process of getting him in the best condition with the puck, battling against guys.”
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Flash will no doubt give a boost to secondary line scoring, which has been pretty suspect most of the season. More on Flash’s return to the ice.

Speaking of Boudreau, he must not be happy with what he is seeing in practice, because the Caps paid for it with a pretty hard skate yesterday.

Injuries . . . Besides Flash, it is looking more and more unlikely that Boyd Gordon will return to the lineup on Thursday. Gordon has been bothered by his back and Boudreau doesn’t think Gordo is where he needs to be. Keith Aucoin has been subbing in for Gordo, but he was optioned to hershey.

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“Boyd’s back is not as good as we’d like it to be. He’s still stiffening up,” Boudreau said. “He’s had the same problems in the past. We’re taking it a little slower this time to make sure he gets it right.”
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Could we be closing in on a Michael Nylander sighting?