Brooks Laich

[YanksNats1987]

The Washington Post

Standing out on a star-laden team that features two former MVPs and the reigning one isn't easy, particularly for a third-line forward. But the Washington Capitals' Brooks Laich has done it by blocking 95-mph slap shots, creating havoc in the crease and killing penalties, tasks that complement headliners such as Alex Ovechkin.

"It's his work ethic and determination," said Coach Bruce Boudreau, who has overseen Laich's development from long-shot prospect to reliable NHL veteran. "But I still don't think we've seen the best of Brooks. I think he's going to be a 25-, 30-goal scorer in this league and become a staple for a while."

Laich's importance was never more evident than in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Florida Panthers. A versatile player who can line up at all three forward positions and contribute in every situation, the 25-year-old from Saskatchewan was killing off a penalty when he saw the puck end up on the stick of defenseman John Erskine. Without hesitation, Laich bolted through center ice, knocked down Erskine's long pass, raced into the Panthers' zone and netted his third game-winner of the season and sixth short-handed goal of the past three seasons, the most of any Capital in that span.

Laich's passion for the game and commitment to winning have made him a crowd favorite in Washington this season. His fan base, however, probably doubled on a single night in Los Angeles last November. The Capitals were attempting to kill off a five-on-three power play when Laich lost his stick. Didn't matter. He went down to block one slap shot from the point with his leg, then used his hand to knock down another point shot moments later in an eventual 5-2 loss.

Laich has slowly over the past few seasons become one of my favorite players. This story appears in Thursday's post and Tarik does a good job at showing just how much this guy means to this team.

So once Chris Clark is gone, does anybody else think that Laich deserves to become captain? A guy like Ovechkin may be the best player, but Laich provides the grit and just sheer determination to become a true leader.

[bigity b]

not only does he look like chris clark he does all the little things you would want in a captain - plays hard every game, plays in every game, goes to the net, plays all 3 positions on all 3 lines, is not the star on the team, is a great person to quote for reporters... he reminds me of a new age dale hunter.

[jrice9]

Maybe, I think your going to have to make ovie captain (thats the new fad in this league) but if not laich or a guy like alzner would be a good choice. I might prefer to make one of the big 4 the captain though. Anyway are we talking next year or in the 3-7 year future

[YanksNats1987]

^Ovechkin would be the "sexy" pick. Does seem like the trend these days.

I'd say we're not talking too far down the road in the future, but pretty much whenever Clark is gone from the team. Maybe there could be some co-captain situation?

[jrice9]

I dont think thats allowed. BTW I have noticed that mostly the captain is the figurehead (90% of the time the franchise player) the assistants are the new leaders. So Ovie as captain Laich as assistant?

[chatcole]

I really think that Ovie is a no-brainier for Captain next year. Ovie is the face of the Capitals and he will be for the next decade and beyond. But what if Feds comes back next year? Do we give him the position, given his role as a player/mentor???