Orlov has four goals and five assists in 15 games with Hershey, including those three points from his big night against Albany on Saturday at Giant Center. He was one of the last three players cut in training camp, making it all the way until Oct. 4. Even a veteran defenseman like Sean Collins was returned to Hershey first.

“It was just flashes. Flashes of his talent that you’re willing to say ‘Okay, listen we got to take another look at this guy,’” Boudreau said of Orlov’s status after the final preseason game Oct. 1 against Chicago. “There’s also flashes of ‘Hey, you know what, there’s things he needs to learn. You get caught between the ‘Wow, that looks really good’ and ‘Wow, he needs time to understand the game a little bit better.’”

So there was an internal struggle within the organization: Send Orlov down so he gets the ice time he needs and can develop at a proper pace? Or were his obvious skills – his vision, his ability to handle the puck in traffic, his bomb of a shot on the power play – enough to let him learn on the job in the NHL?

Well, at the time Washington had six capable veteran defensemen. Things haven’t gone so smoothly, however. Mike Green has been out of the lineup injured for the better part of a month. Schultz has struggled. Roman Hamrlik has struggled. Erskine couldn’t train properly this summer as he recovered from shoulder surgery, was limited in training camp and didn’t return to game action until Nov. 1. Even John Carlson has labored recently. The Caps were outscored 14-3 on their recent three-game road trip and while there are other issues with this team, solidifying the blueline will ease the strain elsewhere.

So Orlov gets the call out of necessity. It may be a short-term move. But if he’s up to the challenge it could also be for the rest of the year. Hershey coach Mark French said during training camp that Orlov had to get “more comfortable” in the defensive zone. He can’t be a one-dimensional player and thrive at this level.

But French told Boudreau over the weekend that Orlov has been Hershey’s best defensive player through 15 games. Will he remain over-anxious and make some mistakes? He will. But he also showed a competitive streak that French liked, playing hard even when the Bears were down and out in some games. And he can make plays – something that Washington needs more of with Green on the shelf for at least another week.  Orlov, not afraid to drop a big hit on an opponent even at just 6-foot, 210 pounds, has 12 penalty minutes and an even plus-minus rating in the AHL.

“[Orlov is] talented. He’s very talented, a playmaker,” Caps defenseman Karl Alzner said. “He’s like Ovi and Sasha on “D” pretty much. He looks for those plays and he tries to make those plays that a lot of times you wouldn’t think a defenseman can make. Same thing with Greenie. They think about taking advantage of that opportunity whereas a guy like me it’s ‘Let’s make sure I don’t mess this up.’ It’s a little bit different. I think he’s got a good mindset and he’s got the skill to execute.”

Communication is a worry. Orlov can speak some English – especially as it relates to hockey. During an interview with reporters after Sunday’s practice he would listen to a question in English and for the most part answer immediately in Russian. Sergey Kocharov, Washington media relations director, would then translate. Sometimes Orlov would ask for clarification. But he can get by. And since the Caps play the same basic systems as Hershey, Orlov says he feels comfortable making the transition. But the language-barrier gets a little higher during an NHL game in full flight. He’ll have to adjust.

Follow me on Twitter @bmcnally14