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Alexander Semin News & Rumors

Alexander Semin's agent says client wants to be a 'full-time player'
May 16
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Capitals have always wanted Alexander Semin to score. His $6.7 million salary this season was fit for a sniper who fills up the net. Semin, who scored 21 goals this season, the fewest since his rookie year, wants to be used in more than just a scoring role, according to agent Mark Gandler. Semin's agent said Tuesday that the 28-year-old winger needs a place where he's given more opportunities. "Alex has been a shining example of a sense of player's responsibility to his defensive obligations. Look at his plus-minus or look at just the game," Gandler said in a phone conversation. "He's always first guy back. He plays great in short-handed situations. He is not a slacker. He"
Agent: Unless Capitals give Alexander Semin more ice time, 'then there's no reason to be together'
May 15
Washington Post
 
"Alexander Semin is one of six Capitals players set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but his agent made it clear on Monday that the team's current style of play doesn't make best use of the winger. While Semin's agent, Mark Gandler, wouldn't rule out the possibility of his client returning to Washington, at this point it seems unlikely. "We need to see where they see the team going, which direction and then we'll talk to management and see if we're going the same way," Gandler said in a phone interview. "If they need Alex we'll talk. If they don't need Alex, as they did not need him this year, then there's no reason to be together. Then they won't be paying a lot of money"
Alexander Semin to be free agent
May 14
ESPN.com
 
"There's change coming to the Washington Capitals this summer and it's not just their head coach. Barring a complete change of heart, forward Alexander Semin won't be back in Washington next season. According to Semin's agent Mark Gandler, the skilled forward has no intentions of signing a contract extension with the Capitals and plans on becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. "It was good while it lasted. With the lack of playoff success, with the direction they are going. They decided to change directions. That's within their rights. Alex doesn't fit into that system obviously," Gandler told ESPN the Magazine. "It just doesn't make any sense to him. He plays, he did the best he"
Washington Capitals' offseason uncertainty begins with Dale Hunter, Alexander Semin
May 14
Washington Post
 
"As the Washington Capitals scatter across the globe in the coming days, a series of tough questions will confront the team's decision makers in the aftermath of another second-round playoff exit. The most pressing issue is the future of Coach Dale Hunter. If the former Capitals great has decided whether to return to Washington or go back to London, Ontario, he wasn't tipping his hand after Saturday's season-ending Game 7 defeat in New York. "That's not the time right now," is all Hunter would say. The Capitals chose to delay breakdown day, so the lights in the headquarters remained off Sunday, the parking lot mostly empty."
Ovechkin on teaming with Backstrom: 'I think we have chemistry, it's not a secret'
May 2
Washington Post
 
"In these playoffs, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom haven't started a game together or taken regular shifts on the same line at even strength but neither of the Capitals' franchise players is worried about picking up where the combo left off. "I think we have chemistry, it's not a secret," Ovechkin said. "He can control the puck in the neutral zone and skate and find me in open spots. He's a top center in the league, I've played with him and it's nice." Said Backstrom: "No, we haven't [played together] much at all, but we should know each other because we've played with each other for a long time. We've got to go out and do our job out there and make sure we get some chances and stuff,"
Dale Hunter on Alexander Semin's penalties: 'You have to be smart on the ice'
April 30
Washington Post
 
"While it's uncertain if Alexander Semin will play a game on the fourth line or if his demotion in Sunday's practice was simply a wakeup call for the winger, Coach Dale Hunter made it clear that he doesn't want the Capitals taking retaliatory penalties. Semin was whistled for two minor penalties in Game 1: a slash in the first period that negated a Washington power play and a trip in the third period as the visitors tried to build momentum in a then-tied contest. Hunter attributed the trip to Semin trying to play the puck and hitting a skate instead but as for the slash, which was drawn by Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, the coach said the Russian winger didn't control his reaction to being"
Alexander Semin heating up just when the Capitals need him most
April 20
Washington Times
 
"Alexander Semin's prodigious talent makes him one of the Washington Capitals' most effective players. It also is why he can be one of their most maddening. The veteran winger can elicit praise and curses in the same breath. When he is engaged and playing well, the Capitals' fortunes often follow suit. When he is down, the team feels it, too. The Capitals can rejoice, then. Their veteran left-winger seems to be heating up at playoff time. The latest evidence was his stunning power-play goal that lifted Washington to a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center on Thursday night and evened this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at two games apiece."
Semin doesn't say much about game-winning goal, but Capitals teammates say he's 'playing great'
April 20
Washington Post
 
"On a power play late in the second period, Capitals winger Alexander Semin delayed his shot from the left faceoff circle long enough to make sure that big Zdeno Chara would be screening Bruins goalie Tim Thomas. While the timing was superb, it was the wrist shot that was impeccable, a laser to the top right corner – over Thomas's glove hand – that the netminder had no hope of stopping. There are not many players in the NHL who can make that shot. So few that teammate Brooks Laich wouldn't even hazard a guess at how many could do it. "I don't know," Laich said. "I'm just glad we have one that can.""
Alexander Semin 'playing well,' but future with Capitals unclear
March 13
Washington Post
 
"After Alexander Semin went five games without recording a point earlier this month, Coach Dale Hunter put the winger on the fourth line in practice. Semin's response? One could argue that the pending unrestricted free agent was the team's best player in back-to-back wins over Boston and Toronto. Against the Bruins, Semin scored the game's first goal and set up Jay Beagle's second-period strike in a 4-3 victory Saturday. Twenty-four hours later, Semin set up Mathieu Perreault's goal in a 2-0 triumph. “He’s been playing well. He had two good games, created a lot of opportunities for the team by passing and shooting,” Coach Dale Hunter said. “He did a good job out there.”"
Alex Ovechkin has lower-body injury, questionable to face Senators
February 22
Washington Post
 
"Alex Ovechkin is questionable for tonight's game because of a lower-body injury, according to Coach Dale Hunter. While Ovechkin will be a game-time decision, Hunter said, there didn't appear to be much reason for optimism Wednesday morning at Scotiabank Place. Ovechkin was on the ice for the start of Washington's morning skate but was on the ice for roughly eight minutes before he headed back into the dressing room. While on the ice, Ovechkin appeared to be testing something out. At one point, Ovechkin tried to gather speed and explode through the neutral zone but after a few strides he had to pull up. He skated over to the bench immediately and went down the tunnel. "I don't feel pretty"
Alexander Semin goal gives Washington crucial victory vs. Southeast Division rival
February 18
Washington Post
 
"Kicking off a four-game trip critical to their playoff hopes, the Washington Capitals understood they could ill afford to lose Friday night's meeting with the Florida Panthers. So despite a disallowed goal, part of an opening 44 minutes in which they failed to score, the Capitals showed their determination to not leave South Florida without a pair of important points. Washington fought back from a one-goal deficit to capture a 2-1 win on third-period tallies by Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. Although they remain in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings, the win pushed the Capitals (29-23-5) to 63 points, only two behind Southeast Division-leading Florida and one out of a"
Alex Ovechkin stands up for Alexander Semin against Sharks
January 9
Washington Post
 
"Just over seven minutes into the third period, San Jose winger Brad Winchester was looking to make an impact as his team — up 3-2 at the time — looked to put the visiting Capitals away. Within a matter of seconds, he laid out a hit on Alex Ovechkin then stepped up against Alexander Semin. The latter drew a charging penalty, but before play halted Ovechkin confronted Winchester and knocked the Sharks' forward to the ice."
Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin reunited on Capitals' top line in practice
December 7
Washington Post
 
"In an apparent effort to jumpstart Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, Coach Dale Hunter reunited the struggling wingers on a line with center Nicklas Backstrom. Hunter, however, would not say whether they'll play together when the Capitals face Ottawa at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday. Ovechkin has one goal in his past 12 games and eight total, putting him on pace for a career-low 25. Semin, who missed the past two games with a minor shoulder injury, has five goals in 23 games. Backstrom, meantime, has been the Capitals' best forward this season with nine goals and 18 assists, which is tied for sixth most in the NHL."
Alexander Semin, Roman Hamrlik likely game-time decisions vs. Panthers
December 5
Washington Post
 
"Alexander Semin (shoulder) and Roman Hamrlik (lower-body injury) were on the ice this morning at BankAtlantic Center ahead of tonight's game against the Southeast Division leading Panthers. Semin missed Saturday's game; he did not appear to be taking shots and did not take line rushes. Hamrlik appeared to be moving fine and joined his fellow blue-liners in rushes. The defenseman missed the past two games."
Capitals' Alexander Semin scratched with bum shoulder, considered day-to-day
December 4
Washington Times
 
"Alexander Semin stood by himself along the boards while his Washington Capitals teammates did line rushes at Saturday's morning skate. He stayed out on the ice with the young guys — Mathieu Perreault and Cody Eakin — well after everyone else jumped off. But he wasn't taking shots or any real contact, and it was revealed later that Semin would not play Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators. A league source confirmed the 27-year-old was being bothered by an injured right shoulder but said it was not a serious long-term concern. Coach Dale Hunter listed Semin as day-to-day."
Alexander Semin will play against Jets; Joel Ward and John Erskine scratched
November 23
Washington Post
 
"Based on the morning skate at KCI, Alexander Semin will be in the Capitals lineup against the Jets Wednesday night at Verizon Center after being scratched in the previous outing. Semin came off the ice with those players who expect to be playing in the evening's game, as did Mathieu Perreault and Jeff Schultz while Joel Ward and John Erskine (shoulder) took part in a scratches' skate. Ward is sitting out because he overslept and missed a team meeting."
After sitting out, Alexander Semin needs to stand up
November 23
Washington Post
 
"Two weeks ago in New Jersey, Bruce Boudreau sent a stern warning to struggling winger Alexander Semin when he benched him for more than half the game. On Monday, the Capitals' coach delivered an ultimatum that reverberated throughout Washington's dressing room. Semin, for the first time in the Boudreau era, was a healthy scratch. "It was shocking," center Nicklas Backstrom said of looking at a dry-erase board without No. 28 on it. "I don't think there's a lot to talk [to him] about. He knows [why] himself.""
How will Alexander Semin respond to sitting out?
November 23
Washington Post
 
"If the Capitals and Alexander Semin are stuck together for the foreseeable future, writes Tarik El-Bashir, the Russian winger needs to conform and stop taking selfish penalties. And if his actions — and comments — the night after he was benched are any indication, Semin may know that: When Semin arrived at Verizon Center for the game later that night, the winger was so down in the dumps, a source said, that Boudreau did not want him to take pregame warmup for fear that he would drag down his teammates' spirits before a crucial game. (Players who are going to be scratched usually take the warmup.)"
Washington finds a spark, rallies for 4-3 win without Alexander Semin
November 22
Washington Post
 
"After their most lopsided loss of the year, the Washington Capitals needed a win any way they could get it. Thanks largely to two timely deflections, Washington erased a two-goal deficit against the Phoenix Coyotes and rallied for a victory that provided at least a temporary reprieve from the mounting pressure of its recent slump. On a day Alexander Semin was a healthy scratch, the Capitals claimed a 4-3 win over the Coyotes Monday night at Verizon Center to snap a four-game losing streak and capture just their second victory in the past eight outings. It was also the 200th win in Bruce Boudreau's coaching career."
Boudreau won't say if Alexander Semin will sit Monday
November 21
Washington Post
 
"Alexander Semin started Saturday's practice in a white jersey, rotating in drills as part of the fourth line. Typically, when there are 13 healthy forwards one of the four players taking part in the workout on the fourth line is scratched the next day. Asked what to make of seeing Semin, usually a top-six forward, skating with the fourth line, Coach Bruce Boudreau responded wryly. "Infer what you want," Boudreau said. "I don't know who, if everybody's healthy two guys have got to sit, so we have to figure out who it's going to be.""
Alexander Semin benched in Capitals' win over Devils
November 12
Washington Times
 
"Alexander Semin's equipment bag sat outside the visiting locker room at Prudential Center by itself. It was the first one on the cart to head out to the bus. It was only fitting. Semin had no use for his equipment for the last 24 minutes Friday night, benched for poor play as coach Bruce Boudreau was willing to sacrifice talent for effort in order to beat the New Jersey Devils, which the Washington Capitals did 3-1. Semin was firmly planted on the bench as part of the most recent and most glaring example of accountability. "You've got to practice what you preach," Boudreau said. "It can't be lip service and then go out and do the same stuff." Any question about the talk being just "lip"
Alexander Semin is benched as Washington rallies to win
November 12
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals' mantra this season has been work hard and earn more ice time, more responsibility. Against the New Jersey Devils on Friday night, Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau reiterated that message by electing not to play one of his team's highest-paid players. Washington rallied for a 3-1 win over the Devils at Prudential Center on goals by Alex Ovechkin, Jason Chimera and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals also did it without the services of talented Russian winger Alexander Semin, who was benched by Boudreau for the final 24 minutes. "I just thought a couple guys weren't going," Boudreau said before addressing the reason he sat Semin. "Sometimes he's a great player and he's a"
Matt Bradley apologizes for comments about Alexander Semin
October 18
Washington Post
 
"Matt Bradley said Monday that he had "no business" making critical comments about former Capitals teammate Alexander Semin's playoff performance and work ethic. "I wish I could take it back," Bradley, now a Florida Panther, told the Sun Sentinel. "I apologize for saying it. He's a great player. It's one of those things you wish you could take back, but you can't, so all I could do is apologize and move forward.""
Alexander Semin is starting to speak up
September 29
Washington Post
 
"In his first six NHL seasons, Alexander Semin dodged interviews in English as deftly as he sidestepped defenders. It left his fans wondering what he was thinking. It annoyed teammates who were asked to speak for him, whether it followed one of his electrifying hat-trick performances or a scoreless one. It meant reporters had to use interpreters and second-hand translations to cobble together accounts about the Washington Capitals' second-best goal scorer."
George McPhee defends Alexander Semin: 'This kid's been productive'
September 20
Washington Post
 
"Former Capital Matt Bradley was wrong to criticize Alexander Semin's playoff performance and attitude, General Manager George McPhee said Monday on NHL Live. Bradley, now a member of the Florida Panthers, told Ottawa's TEAM 1200 last month that Semin "just doesn't care," and called out the Russian sniper for his lack of effort in the playoffs. McPhee, though, defended Semin on both counts when asked Monday about Bradley's comments."
Alexander Semin: 'Different people have different opinions'
September 19
Washington Post
 
"In recent days, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has repeatedly defended winger Alexander Semin against any and all critics, including two of his former teammates. But this time Semin himself responded to the comments leveled at him by former Capitals Matt Bradley and David Steckel. Semin spoke with the team's Mike Vogel this weekend in what is believed to be his first formal interview in English. "I don't worry about this situation," Semin told Vogel. "Different people have different opinions.""
Former Caps F David Steckel weighs in on Alex Semin, Sidney Crosby
September 1
Washington Examiner
 
"Caught up with former Caps forwards David Steckel at Kettler Iceplex this morning after he got in a skate with a few former teammates at Kettler Iceplex. Steckel, whose wife, DiDi, had a baby girl in May, was back in town for a after his trade last February to New Jersey. First question? Had to be about former teammate Matt Bradley's comments on Ottawa radio station Team 1200 station regarding Caps' winger Alex Semin. They weren't flattering. And Steckel couldn't really disagree with them, readily admitting it's a window into how some on the team feel about Semin, an otherworldly talent whose inconsistency can be maddening at times. Reading between the lines, Bradley's comments came out in"
Why Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin need more offensive-zone starts
September 1
Washington Post
 columnist Neil Greenberg
"Capitals General Manager George McPhee made some radical changes this summer to a team that was atop the Eastern Conference standings over the past two years. But despite Washington's new look and feel, the strength of the franchise still rests on the shoulders of the Young Guns: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green and Alexander Semin. Those four combined for 370 points in 2009-10 but barely broke 200 points as a group last season. One way to help them along is to give them a steady dose of offensive-zone starts this season. An offensive-zone start occurs when a player is on the ice for an offensive-zone faceoff. The best way to look at an offensive-zone start's value is to"
Matt Bradley is spot on with critical comments about Capitals, Semin
August 18
Washington Post
 
"For the better part of three months, various members of the Washington Capitals have tiptoed around the issues afflicting the team. They'd mention leadership, commitment and discipline, but nothing specific enough to explain yet another postseason collapse. On Wednesday, though, former Capital Matt Bradley stopped speaking in generalities and took the issues head on. Among them were the team's lack of discipline, Alexander Semin's lack of effort and a caste system that rewards underperforming stars. "I mean, there's reasons why," said Bradley, who signed with the Florida Panthers in July as an unrestricted free agent. "We had some guys who didn't show up in the playoffs, and I'll leave"
Ex-Capitals forward Matt Bradley criticizes former team, Alexander Semin
August 18
Washington Times
 
"Matt Bradley spent six seasons with the Washington Capitals and was considered one of the top so-called "character" guys in the locker room. His laid-back attitude with teammates and up-front nature with members of the media made him popular behind the scenes, while his toughness on the ice ingratiated him to fans. After the Caps did not make an offer to keep him around (according to agent Larry Kelly), he left and signed a two-year deal with the Florida Panthers. But Wednesday, Bradley created something of a minor August controversy with comments about his former team and Alexander Semin. In a radio interview on Team 1200 in Ottawa, hosts asked Bradley if he could explain what has"
Former Capitals winger Matt Bradley: Alexander Semin 'just doesn't care'
August 17
Washington Post
 
"Former Capitals winger Matt Bradley said in a radio interview Wednesday that ex-teammate Alexander Semin "just doesn't care," and that the Russian sniper didn't show up when Washington needed him in the playoffs. Bradley, who signed with the Florida Panthers in July as an unrestricted free agent, also told Ottawa's TEAM 1200 that the Capitals' locker room was "maybe a little bit too nonchalant" and undisciplined. A partial transcript is below: On why the Capitals couldn't break through in a second-round sweep against Tampa Bay: "You know, I don't have a definite answer. I mean, there's reasons why. We had some guys who didn't show up in the playoffs, and I'll leave them unnamed. I think"
Statistical analysis: Should Semin be on the NHL's endangered species list?
August 16
Washington Post
 
"Here's a prediction for how Alexander Semin, the Washington Capitals' enigmatic winger, will produce this upcoming season: He will score 26 goals — making it the sixth consecutive season in which he finishes above 25 in that category — but only eight will come on the power play. He'll get 31 assists and finish with just 57 points in 70 games. His shooting percentage will be an above-average 12 percent. Capitals fans might think the prediction is unfair; only 51 players since the lockout have scored 40 goals in a season, and that group includes Semin and the majority of the NHL's top-producing players. Plus, Washington saw more than 57 percent of even-strength scoring chances go in its"
Statistical analysis: The importance of Alexander Semin
July 8
Washington Post
 
"One glance at how the Washington Capitals' roster has changed these past few days is enough for some to suggest that trading Alexander Semin is the smart next move. The argument is that trading the Russian winger would create the much-needed cap space to sign the Capitals' best shutdown blueliner, Karl Alzner. However, moving Semin just to create cap space would do more harm than good. Semin has been one of the most prolific scorers in the NHL since the lockout. Over that time period he has scored 166 goals, including five straight seasons of 25 goals or more and one season of 40 goals scored. Fans only have to look at Semin's ill-timed offensive zone stick penalties, chronic injuries or"
Would the Caps really trade Mike Green or Alex Semin?
May 16
Washington Examiner
 
"Okay, since this seems to be the topic of conversation early this offseason I'll weigh in: What do the Caps do about defenseman Mike Green and right wing Alex Semin? Both players enter 2011-12 in the final year of their contracts. Both have underwhelmed at times in the postseason. A segment of the fan base apparently would love to pack a suitcase for each guy and drive them out to Dulles. Not saying that couldn't happen. If a trade – or trades - brings back a couple of players who can change the dynamic of a team that can't figure out the Stanley Cup playoffs then maybe you do move one or even both of them. But that's far easier said in the aftermath of another postseason disappointment"
Alexander Semin may be a key to the Washington Capitals' playoff hopes
April 15
Washington Post
 
"Alexander Semin's sublime skill has never been in doubt. His commitment to using it on every shift, though, has been the subject of much consternation during his tenure as a Washington Capital. But if the mercurial winger's effort in Game 1 against the New York Rangers is an indication of what's to come, the rest of the NHL should watch out. On Wednesday, the Capitals improved to 20-0-1 this season when Semin scores, after he fired a shot past Henrik Lundqvist in overtime. Semin's one-timer was so sweet, it even left the New York Rangers' all-star goalie in awe. "The shot was just a rocket," Lundqvist said. "I didn't have time to react on that one." The Capitals' 2-1 win was critical for"
Caps take Game One on OT winner by Semin
April 14
Washington Examiner
 
"The Capitals had seen this movie before. It was a horror flick. Washington had more shots, more hits, more blocks and more quality scoring chances than the New York Rangers in Game 1 of a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series on Wednesday night. But the Caps still found themselves trailing late in regulation. Memories of last spring's frustrating postseason loss to Montreal were difficult to escape. But this time Washington decided to write a different ending – at least for the series' first contest – when Alex Ovechkin scored late to tie the contest and Alex Semin lifted his club to a 2-1 victory with a goal at 18:24 of overtime. Ovechkin's game-tying tally came with just 6:16 to play"
Alexander Semin scores in OT to lift Washington into first place
March 7
Washington Post
 
"It took 48 extra seconds, but the Washington Capitals managed to capture two points against the Florida Panthers on Sunday evening and push themselves forward in the standings to take sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division for the first time since Dec. 29. After allowing the Panthers to tie the game on a five-on-three with less than three minutes remaining in regulation and force overtime, it was Alexander Semin who snapped a shot past Scott Clemmensen to give the Capitals a 3-2 victory heading into a showdown for top billing in the division Monday at Tampa Bay. Washington (36-20-10) carries 82 points, one more than the Lightning, into the final meeting between the two"
Alexander Semin has a hat trick in Washington's 7-6 win
February 17
Washington Post
 
"For a night, the Washington Capitals didn't want for goals. Facing an Anaheim Ducks squad that had scored at least three goals in each of its past four contests, the Capitals quickly accepted their roles as Western gunslingers in an old-fashioned, high-scoring shootout where defense was optional and it was an unwelcome night to be a goaltender. All told, 11 players scored goals and 20 recorded points Wednesday night at Honda Center. But Alexander Semin's tally with 1 minute 47 seconds to go proved decisive in a 7-6 Capitals victory that snapped a three game losing streak. The goal was Semin's third of the night, marking his fourth hat trick of the season and a resounding return for the"
Alexander Semin to return against Sharks, Mike Green's status uncertain
February 8
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green took part in the Capitals' morning skate and said he felt good, but both he and Coach Bruce Boudreau are unsure if the defenseman will be in the lineup against the San Jose Sharks tonight at Verizon Center. Green was struck in the head, near his right ear, by a puck against Pittsburgh on Sunday and after the game said he had a headache and felt woozy, symptoms that when following a blow to the head are consistent with a concussion. "I don't know yet, I have to talk with the trainers," Green said. "We'll see. I felt good on the ice and [I'll] see what they say. If it was serious I don't think I'd be out there today. It is what it is. I have to make sure I'm smart about it,"
Capitals, Alexander Semin agree to one-year, $6.7-million extension
January 27
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals have signed right wing Alexander Semin to a one-year contract extension, the team has announced. Katie Carrera, en route to Raleigh for this weekend's All-Star events, reports the deal is worth $6.7 million. Semin, 26, has 18 goals and 17 assists in 39 games. This season, Semin is tied for the league lead with three hat tricks, which came in a 35-day span from Oct. 23 to Nov. 26."
Eric Fehr will likely miss Tuesday's game; Alexander Semin doubtful
December 21
Washington Post
 
"Eric Fehr will likely miss tomorrow night's game against the New Jersey Devils due to a death in the family, Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau said. Fehr was praised for his strong play in the third period of the Capitals' loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday and then had another solid performance in the slump-ending win over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, scoring once and assisting on another goal to help Washington to a crucial 3-2 win. Fehr snapped a personal 12-game scoring drought with the goal, and Boudreau said he felt Fehr had made the most of his opportunities."
Alexander Semin fined for cross check
December 13
Washington Post
 
"TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that Capitals forward Alexander Semin has been fined by the NHL but will not be suspended for his cross check to the back of Colorado defenseman John-Michael Liles' head. In the second period of Washington's eventual 3-2 loss to the Avalanche on Saturday night, Semin cross-checked Liles after the two had exchanged jabs in front of the Colorado net. Liles was bleeding after the altercation and Semin was given a five minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct."
Russian mystery in the District
December 8
Washington Post
 
"On the evening he scored his third hat trick of the season, Alexander Semin stood in the Washington Capitals' dressing room enveloped by a horde of reporters. Amid the sound of whirring fans drying sweaty equipment, Semin was asked if he can ever predict such a successful performance. Given an opportunity to offer insight or make a joke, the 26-year-old Russian sharpshooter chose one of his typically guarded answers. "I'm not going to say anything," he said through an interpreter. "That's inside me. I'm not going to share that with you guys. Why should I reveal anything?" A third of the way through his sixth season with the Capitals, Semin is on pace for a career-best campaign"
Alexander Semin named NHL's third star of the week
November 16
Washington Post
 
"With four goals and four assists in the Capitals quartet of games this past week, Alexander Semin was named the NHL's third star of the week. Semin ranks second in the NHL in goals with 13 and fourth in points with 23."
Alexander Semin helps Capitals top Maple Leafs, 5-4, in shootout
November 4
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals appeared to be in firm control heading into the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at Verizon Center. They held a two-goal lead and had successfully stifled opponents' comeback attempts through the first month of the season. The next seven minutes changed all that. The Maple Leafs rallied to tie, then take a lead in a span that saw the Capitals allow three goals after only giving up five third-period tallies in the first 11 games of the year combined. And though Washington surged back to force overtime and an eventual 5-4 shootout win over Toronto on shots by Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, the victory didn't feel up to the standard"
Boudreau ready to see how far Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin combo can go
November 3
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau has typically preferred to spread out his most offensively-potent players in order to maximize the Capitals' options and to make it a challenge for opponents to match a defensive pairing or checking line against any single unity. But given how well the combination of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin played Saturday when they were assembled on one line against the Calgary Flames, it looks as though he will keep the group together at least a little while longer. The trio finished with 10 points by the end of the 7-2 rout of the Flames. "In a perfect world, they'd be split up because it makes the team tougher to cover. But every now and again, as I've"
Alexander Semin has hat trick, Tomas Fleischmann the OT winner as Capitals beat Thrashers, 4-3
October 24
Washington Post
 
"After fighting back from a one-goal deficit twice Saturday night against the Atlanta Thrashers, the Washington Capitals didn't want to let the game slip through their fingers. They needed a win, any kind of win, to snap their first losing streak of the season before several days of practice and their first major trip. So once Atlanta's super sophomore Evander Kane fired the puck into a wide-open net in the final minute of regulation to force overtime, the Capitals buckled down further. Washington took six shots in the extra session, didn't allow any, and ended the contest on a backhander by Tomas Fleischmann 1 minute 37 seconds into the four-on-four overtime for a 4-3 win over the"
Ovechkin, Semin to play for Russia at Worlds
May 4
TSN.ca
 
"It appears the season is not quite over for some of the biggest stars of the Washington Capitals. According to the Washington Post, Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Semyon Varlamov are expected to represent Russia at the upcoming World Hockey Championship in Germany. The tournament gets under way on May 7 with Russia's first game on May 9 against Slovakia."
Alexander Semin has been silent in playoffs, both with his scoring and his words
April 26
Washington Post
 
"Maybe the conversation would be different had the puck left Alexander Semin's stick -- where it found itself in the first period of Game 5 Friday night -- and somehow made its way behind Montreal goaltender Jaroslav Halak. Semin's wrist shot, fired in a blur from the left circle behind a screen -- "one of the best shots in the league, if not the best," according to teammate Tom Poti -- instead found Halak's pad. When Semin tracked down the rebound and tried a different tactic, whacking at the puck as he stood just inches from the goal, Halak absorbed it again. Bodies flew into the net. Semin, without a goal in a lengthening playoff series for the Washington Capitals, began to scrap with"