With the Capitals' youth movement well underway, the veterans that will anchor the team as its growing pains continue are critical. Olie Kolzig and Chris Clark have received well-deserved kudos from numerous sources, and Dainius Zubrus -- an 11-year NHLer at only 28 years old -- also provides a stabilizing element. Richard Zednik (when healthy) is also a welcome re-addition to the team.

But let us not forget the bruiser who protects the Capitals' young talent: one Donald Brashear. The 35-year-old Brashear is thrilled to be a Capital. The team recently re-signed him to a one-year deal, so it seems the feeling is mutual.

Where's the proof of his happiness as a Capital, you ask? Doubt not, lest ye be... er, doubted. Here are a few clips I filmed in the Caps' locker room after the 6-2 victory over Philadelphia. First, the soft-spoken Indiana native calls this "the best year of his career":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zzkaxCPV9Y

Here he discusses his role as an "older guy" on a young team, as well as joking how he can learn from Ovechkin about scoring goals (this was the night of Brashear's first goal of the season, a fluky over-the-goalie's-shoulder tally against Robert Esche):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClQmKxMLbyQ

Finally, he reveals that his attitude toward fighting has changed over the years. I think we can all agree that it's not much fun to get hit in the head:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIhW6×4CRUc

Here's a player clearly invested in the team and having the time of his life. It's encouraging to see the team recognize Brashear's positive influence in the locker room and on the ice -- and opposing players will continue to think twice about taking liberties with the Capitals' youngsters as long as Brashear is looming behind them.