The Caps Made A Wonderful "Thank You Brooks" Video As Brooks Laich Played Against The Caps Last Night
12 years. Brooks was here for 12 years. And was traded at the deadline from the best team in the league to the worst team in the league. Brutal. When they say “it’s a business” this is what they are talking about. Brooks gave everything to DC. Was loved by everyone. And just like that, he’s gone. Since the trade, he’s given several emotional interviews where he’s tried to stay professional, and done a way, wayyyyy better job than most people would. But it isn’t a secret he’s bummed by this entire situation. Because I mean, shit, he just does not want to be there:
We see athletes come and go all the time, but this one has bummed me out more than most. Brooks has been battling an injury for a couple years now that took away that quick step he once had. Coupled with a contract that was much too big (4.5 mil/year) for his role, the Caps had no choice but to unload him. 12 years given to the Caps, and traded away during the best chance at the Cup. I don’t usually feel “bad” for multimillionaires, but Brooks is your classic nice guy who just happens to also be a professional hockey player. And I think we forget that sometimes. But at the end of the day, you do what’s best for business, and the Caps beat the visiting Maple Leafs 3-2 last night, giving them back-to-back 3-2 victories on back-to-back nights.
The Caps are 7-3 over their last 10, which I feel I could have typed at any point during the season and it would be accurate. It’s March 3rd and the Caps still haven’t lost consecutive games in regulation. They have a day off today, and then have games Friday and Saturday vs the Rangers and Bruins, before jumping on a plane to take on the Ducks on Monday. Not much rest to be had as we inch closer and closer to the postseason.
PS: This Backstrom pass last night has a 10/10 on the skill level chart. Saucered the exact perfect amount to land right in unison with Ovi’s one timer, good for his 41st goal of the year.
PS: Click to watch an autoplay video of Brooks and the fans reaction to the vid. Great stuff, awful that CSN still won’t take their videos off autoplay.