Brooks Laich has taken a lot a heat for his play this year. Our commentariat is in full revolt over Adam Oates’s insistence on keeping him on the second line, even though he and his linemate Troy Brouwer have posted awful numbers. Well, Friday night against the Red Wings, Laich registered his first goal in almost a month.

Though the goal was initially and inexplicably recorded as unassisted, it was Michigan man Steve Oleksy who set it up somewhat magically. Oddly enough, Oleksy assisted on Laich’s other two goals this year. Take a look at Steve’s sublime breakout pass here.

So much for, uh, this.

Laich-Mojo-Brouwer won’t score tonight. #thebank

— Peter Hassett (@peterhassett) November 15, 2013

“It’s nice to contribute,” Laich told CSN’s Craig Laughlin during the first intermission. “Last couple games I’ve thought we’ve played better. We’re starting to find our identity as a line.”

Let’s hope this marker gets Brooksy going. The Caps could use goals from guys other than Alex Ovechkin and the checking scoring line of Jason Chimera, Mikhail Grabovski, and Joel Ward.