Sens vs. Rochester 1/24/04 Articles: Laich energizes Senators
January 25, 2004

Posted by: Bob "Vinnie Bobarino" Howard
Credit: Press Connects.com

Laich energizes Senators

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- It never gets tired watching a dead-tired player get his second wind, so it's been downright refreshing lately to gaze upon Binghamton Senators rookie center Brooks Laich.

Two months ago, with the early stages of mononucleosis seeping into his body undetected, Laich was dragging so much his lower lip could've resurfaced the ice. These days, he has more energy than a battery bunny, and his two goals Saturday night lifted the Senators to a much-needed 3-1 victory over the Rochester Americans at a sold-out Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

"After watching him in training camp and in (early-season) practices, it's like people here haven't really seen him play yet," said goalie Ray Emery, who, in his first game back from a wrist injury, had a big hand in the victory with 22 saves, including nine in the third period. "He's definitely an NHL-quality player."

Laich, 20, considered the organization's top forward prospect, has four goals and five assists in 11 games since returning from a month-long bout with mono, which usually causes intense fatigue.

Mono cost Laich 10 games in his first pro season, but he's made up for lost time by centering the Senators' best line for the past three weeks. Playing between skilled wingers Alexandre Giroux and Brad Tapper, Laich fills the role of playmaker and is the line's best defensive player.

Against Rochester, he also showed he can score goals, taking a feed from Tapper and beating highly touted Amerks goalie Ryan Miller at 13:17 of the first period. After Rochester's Norm Milley tied the game at 14:17 of the second, Laich was credited with the go-ahead goal at 16:52 when the puck appeared to deflect of the skate of a Rochester player.

"I just told (Giroux) that I swear on my hockey career it went in off my stick," Laich said.

Laich should know better than to tempt fate, but that's how strong he's feeling lately.

"I feel like I have a change of speeds and a lot of energy," Laich said. "Finding another gear is a thing I've been working on. It's something Ottawa has wanted me to work on, and I definitely feel like I have another jump in my step."

It hasn't gone unnoticed, especially by coach John Paddock, back behind the bench after attending his father's funeral Thursday in Manitoba.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he had mono back in October," Paddock said. "I think it's a combination of things. He's healthy now, and he's playing with two guys in Taps and Alex that have great speed."

Charlie Stephens, acquired Friday for enforcer Dennis Bonvie, scored an empty-net goal with 1:26 left in regulation.