After missing nearly a month of action, Brooks Laich will return to the Washington Capitals lineup against the Anaheim Ducks, head coach Adam Oates confirmed Monday morning.
Brooks Laich injury: Capitals forward to return against Ducks
After missing nearly month, Brooks Laich draws back into the lineup against the Anaheim Ducks.
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Laich last played on Nov. 27 against the Ottawa Senators and missed 11 games due to a groin injury. Unfortunately, this has been a reoccurring issue for Laich as he missed all but nine games last season to groin related problems. After undergoing offseason abdominal surgery he was hopeful that the issue was resolved, but sustained a hip flexor injury early in training camp. Ultimately, the injury was of little consequence other than acting as an ironic joke for some and an annoyance to others (mainly, Laich).
Of course, the real issue is whether the groin injury is going to continue to be a reoccurring problem. Groins are typically viewed as one of the more problematic injuries for hockey players because of how it can hinder their skating stride.
Laich recently stated that he believes he has isolated where the issue is originating from and is hopeful that it can be corrected, via The Washington Post:
“It looks like the problem was maybe coming more from my back which was hard because I’ve never had any back pain and we’ve tried some stuff with the back that’s really got me back on the ice and I’m really excited about.”
In 25 games, Laich has recorded six points (two goals and four assists) and is averaging 17:52 of ice time per game. He is expected to play on the fourth line on Monday.
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