Donald Brashear’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)
Back Story: Donald Brashear is a top 10 enforcer in the league, at least, and may be in the top 2, behind Georges Laraque, and his job is simple: deter any rough stuff done unto his star player, Alex Ovechkin, and punish those who do not heed his warnings.
How’s it look so far? Well, it’s a funny thing, Brashear is also a decent, defense-minded winger — at least he has been in his first four games with Washington. He can hit with force, and has more skill than you’d think. Along with center Brian Sutherby and, most often, winger Brooks Laich, he’s part of a good defensive line for the Caps. On the enforcement side, he hasn’t gotten a major yet, though he tried to initiate some thing at home against Carolina after Tim Gleason’s kneeing penalty late in the third.
In the future? The continued thinning of the herd in respect to pure goons continues in the NHL, but Brashear is still in the league because he’s not just a goon. I’d imagine the combination of a kinder, gentler NHL and his reputation will keep Brashear’s fighting majors down in single digits, easily. If he can continue his defensive work and his physical game, however, that doesn’t mean he’s just taking up a roster spot. Indeed, those facets of his game, combined with his reputation and fighting ability, make him an valuable 4th line winger, at least. Coach Hanlon likes the way he and Sutherby are fitting together as well, and he may continue his 3rd line left wing role.
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Brash not only is good defensively, he has hands, too.
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