Alexander Semin Got The Message

This past Friday, Washington Capitals coach Dale Hunter sent the message to Alexander Semin that he had to step his game up. Hunter relegated Semin to the fourth line for a practice.

According to Hunter, he was just mixing up lines and that sometimes players get stale and need to practice or play with different players.

Before two weekend victories over the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, Semin had gone five games without recording a point and being a minus-2 after being the most consistent player in the Capitals lineup for the previous 30 games. The message must have been received because in those two games Semin was teamed with Jason Chimera and Mathieu Perrault to become one of the Capitals’ most productive lines. Semin recorded a goal along with two assists and was a plus-3.

Like Alex Ovechkin, Semin is having one of his worst productive seasons of his career. With only 18 goals and 44 points, he’s on pace to finish with 21 goals and 52 points. That would be his lowest full-season totals since his rookie year.

Whether Semin returns to the Capitals or not after this season depends on his play down the road heading into the playoffs. If he plays well and continues to be consistent I foresee him returning to the Capitals roster next season. If not, I see him leaving the NHL for the KHL where he could play to his fullest potential. Both of these, along with his salary demands will determine if we see Semin wearing the Capitals red next season.

The Capitals roster will look like it did in Sunday’s win over the Maple Leafs tomorrow night when the Capitals visit the New York Islanders, with Jeff Halpern being a healthy scratch.