Puck 'N Hockey

Tonight, the Caps finish up their first  of two back-to-backs on this huge, six game road swing. After taking care of business in Montreal, the Caps head to the Motor City for a big clash with perennial playoff contender and Western Conference superpower, the Detroit Red Wings.  A win this evening puts the Capitals in a position which they have fought for half this season, first place in the Eastern Conference. Last season, they had everything on cruise control at this point and skated away easily with the Eastern Conference regular season crown. This year not only will they have to earn it by playing great down the stretch but also battling other top teams in this very tight race.

Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena: Detroit Red Wings GP 69 W 41 L 20 OTL 8 PTS 90 LAST 10 ( 4-4-2 )

Who doesn't like Laich? (via Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Match Up: This may be an older team in appearance but the majority of the elder statesmen have had a jump in their steps this season. Led by their Captain and future Hall of Fame member, Nicklas Lidstrom, this isn’t a team to take lightly. With 12 skaters with 30 or more points this is a Detroit team that can score goals in bunches. It’s not hard when you boast two of the best two way forwards in the game with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Jimmy Howard has had a great follow up season for the Wings and will be aiming for his 34th win this evening when he faces the Caps. The defensemen of the Wings do a great job of breaking out of their own zone and despite the general tendency for Western Conference teams to be tougher, stronger, and more physical, this team breaks that mold. They are physical in front of their own net and down low in the offensive zone but rarely will try to over power a team. They prefer a more European brand of hockey in which puck possession and skating is key to success.

X Factor: In the recent wake of team injuries, Brooks Laich has stepped up and answered the call. After a two point effort in Sunday’s win against the Hawks, “Brooksie” followed up that performance with a goal in the Caps 9th straight win. His increased role as of late, has him playing with Alexander Ovechkin on the top line and logging big minutes. It’s hard not to generate chances when you are working hard in all three zones. Laich’s solid play in all zones is something you want to see out of your team come playoffs. His play as of late is a very encouraging sign.