"Brooks Laich thinks he's going to play hockey until he's 60. Given his durability and stubbornness, it's not impossible to envision the Washington Capitals forward going strong until age 40.

For the past four-plus seasons, the Capitals have played just four games without Laich. Tuesday, they'll have to do just that, trying to figure out how to replace their most versatile player.

"The thing is you don't try and replace him," winger Troy Brouwer said. "Everyone's got to bring a little bit more in their game. It's not like we can tell a player to be a Brooks Laich anymore. Guys got to help out on draws, guys got to help out in the D-zone. He's a good, well-rounded player, and guys have to try and pick up where he's out.""