Flash v. Fehr

I came across an interesting debate on the message boards this morning. The topic was a poll of who was more valuable to the Caps, Tomas Fleischmann or Eric Fehr. The hundred or so voters were unsurprisingly biased toward Fehr. About 90 percent in fact. But after thinking about it a while, I think the two are closer than the boards make them appear.

We already know that Kozlov, Clark, Ovechkin, Semin, and Laich will be five of the top six wingers on the top three lines. I guess my internal debate is, in a system with three powerful scoring lines and one checking line, who do I want as my other third line winger? Lets look at the pros and cons of both guys.

Last season was Fleischmann's first full season as a professional. He came into camp without a contract or a roster spot. Given a chance, he managed to earn a roster spot with the big club. Throughout the season he was about the most inconsistant player on the team. He managed to put up 10 goals and 20 assists. Not bad for some, but Fleishmann's game offers little else to compensate for lackluster statistics. He is supposed to be a goal scorer and point producer. He's essentially worthless if he can't do that.

Flash played for Hershey under Boudreau for two seasons before making the Caps. He helped the Bears win the Calder Cup in 2006 where Boudreau said he was the Ovechkin of the AHL. No wonder Gabby has more confidence in him than most. Enough in fact to pencil him in on the opening night roster alongside Michael Nylander and Chris Clark.

This will be a make or break year for Flash. He put on some muscle in the offseason which should help his poor performance along the boards last season as well as his ability to drive the net. After seeing guys like Francois Bouchard compete at training camp, Fleischmann knows that he has guys breathing down his neck. You can expect his best stuff as he'll be looking to stick with the big club for good.

Now to the guy looking to take Flash's spot. Eric Fehr's career has been slowed signifcantly by back injuries. He was taken 18th overall in the 2003 draft in between Zach Parise and all-star Ryan Getzlaf. To this point, probably what Fehr is best known for. Obviously he has been a top prospect for a long time. He led the WHL in scoring a few years back and played alongside Flash on the '06 Bears team.

Last season was his first real opportunity with the Caps. Playing hurt for two games, three seasons ago doesn't count. Last year he played 28 games and putt up two goals (one playoff) and five assists. He didn't get any powerplay time and was mostly used on the third line.

Fehr has all the intangibles of a great player. He's finally grown into his 6'4" 212 frame and has a nose for the net. He's not afraid to get into the crease and score ugly goals Brooks Laich style. His back is also much better and no longer seems to be an issue. But does he have what it takes to play an 82 game season? I could see him being the 13th forward this year but he'll also get plenty of chances to play.

As of now, Flash is the man for the 3rd line job. But training camp isn't over and every day is a chance to either prove yourself or give it all away. My friends already know my feelings toward Flash. I personally think he's frustrating to watch. But I also think he has yet to meet his full potential. Last year was Flash's chance and he did just enough to stick. This year will be Fehr's. I really don't care which one it is. I just want one of them to break out this season and help us go deep into the playoffs.