The San Jose Sharks have Claude Lemieux, Calgary has Todd Bertuzzi and the Capitals have Donald Brashear.
All three of these players are enforcers or big men. They are on the ice for one purpose, to hit people. For the last three years, Brashear has filled that role for the Washington Capitals. This year, however, he is trying to become a more all-around player.
| Donald Brashear Talks About His Evolving Play Style and His Role on the Team.ANDREW TOMLINSON/ THE EAGLE |
"I definitely work on trying to shoot the puck more," Brashear said two weeks ago after the Capitals loss to Edmonton. "It is starting to get up more and if they give me more time I can make it."
On the statistical surface, it may not look like he is being more aggressive on offense. While he only has four points on the season, he has already shot the puck 29 times. If his number of shots per game continues, he will surpass his totals from the last two seasons.
Even with this new dedication to offense, Brashear is not straying from what he does best. He said he was hoping for a fight in the Pittsburgh game and is always looking to cause trouble. Brashear adds physicality to a small skill oriented team.
With an elevated number of shots, Brashear has also elevated his number of penalty minutes. With 85 minutes, he is only 34 minutes away from passing last year's number. Brashear attributes this to his protection of the teams three stars.
It is common knowledge that Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin are not well liked by some players in the league. Brashear views it as his job to make sure his two teammates are safe. It is not uncommon to see Brashear having a "few words" with some players after a big hit on the two superstars.
Brashear has always been mindful to be a clean player, especially after Marty McSorley took a two handed swing at his head. In 2000 during a game between Vancouver and Boston, McSorley hit Brashear in the head with his stick. Brashear lay motionless on the ice and suffered a grade three concussion. With no memory of the event, Brashear is always conscious to play the game without intent to injure.
The big man, although scary on the ice, is really a nice guy at heart. He is a former member of the Diversity Task Force, a program dedicated to increasing the profiles of minorities in the NHL. Also a surprise to many is that Brashear is an accomplished concert pianist. Even with his other endeavors, hockey will always be his first love.
With the Caps facing four Stanley Cup contending teams in a row after the All Star Break, Brashear becomes even more important. He said that as energy dies it is up to him and the fourth line to rally the team. The combination of David Steckel, Matt Bradley and Brashear has continued to succeed at keeping the energy up game in and game out.
You can reach this columnist at atomlinson@theeagleonline.com.
