After coming off a hot finish in Saturday's game with a hat trick, I think a post about Alexander Semin (Александр Сёмин) is relevant.
Semin, or Sasha as he is referred to, was drafted 13th overall by t
he Washington Capitals in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, but played with Chelyabinsk-18 of the Russian Junior League, Chelyabinsk of the Russia-2 League, and Lada Togliatti of the Kontinental Hockey League for two seasons. During his rookie season in the NHL ('03-'04), he played in 52 games and recorded 22 points which lead all team rookies. However, during the 2004-2005 lockout, Semin returned to Togliatti and was suspended by the team and sued for not reporting to the Capitals' minor league affiliates for the season. He was also in hot water due to a miscommunication around the necessary two year military duty of all Russian men. Hockey players were allowed to play for their clubs as their service and Semin had only completed a year. By April of 2006, his military obligation had been fulfilled and he returned to the states.
Throughout his career in DC he has been quite consistent in his scoring, assists, and play. However, his weak spots are his lack of fighting skills (or amazing bongo abilities?) and his frequent stick penalties. Semin has also become best friends with "the more popular Alex," Ovechkin. (They even have a Secret Handshake!) He is much more subdued than his boisterous counter-part, rarely speaking English or doing post-game interviews, but he apparently enjoys Russian night life just as much. He is also quite the trickster ...and really likes gatorade and pizza.
This is an epic post. I was there when this picture was taken, pizza and all.
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