There is a multiple personality disorder to Alexander Semin’s game, one which is appropriately lethal when directed at his opposition, and alternatively another which is insidious and a self-inflicted wound which harms his own club. We witnessed the variations in the past two games. On Long Island Monday, with the outcome against the Islanders uncertain and in overtime, we were mesmerized by the Siberian sniper’s other worldly patience with the puck, deftly feeding Alexander Ovechkin in tight for the game winner. The very next night, in a deadlocked game’s waning moments, we saw the vexing counterpart to his virtuosity: yet another boneheaded lapse in judgment, again perpetrated in the neutral zone, far away from mortal danger, outraging (again) his team’s coaching staff and leading to the Senators’ winning goal in the game’s 58th minute.
I’m of the opinion that Alexander Semin cannot finish his NHL career in Washington absent a marked maturation away from his injurious lapses of senselessness. At least, he cannot play for Bruce Boudreau as such a hockey Jeckyl and Hyde.
You hear the trade rumors like I do — Semin’s name in a package to acquire a premium talent at another position, often a player with looming unrestricted free agency. You never hear such whispers associated with the Capitals’ other prime young talent. And this is because for all of Alexander Semin’s staggering physical gifts in this game, he undoes a week’s worth of highlight reel heroics with a single moment’s madness. In a league of parity, when on most nights most games are undecided in third periods, a single lapse in judgment then can be lethal. Alexander Semin alone on the Capitals’ roster bears this ugly stamp of high-stakes stupidity, and it could one day cost him his Capitals’ sweater.
Virtually all hockey players take ill-timed and needless penalties; it’s just that most of them seem to exhibit remorse for them. We’ve yet to see or hear of this from Semin, and it’s deeply disturbing. (An irrefutable downside to his isolation from North American press is an inability to accept accountability, publicly, for the undisciplined infractions.) Worse, what might once have been explained away as youthful acts of indiscretion now remain entrenched in his game under a second coaching staff in Washington.
Semin’s play away from the puck is indisputably improved — his +23 rating lodges him in the top 5 of the league (he was at the very top prior to being injured earlier in the autumn). He is far from being a one-dimensional hockey player. But he is not yet a disciplined hockey player. And he’s forging a troubled legacy by virtue of it.
In Game 7 against the Flyers last April the Caps were leading 1-0 deep in the first period and in complete control of the game. Then Semin took a thoroughly needless hooking penalty while still in the Philadelphia zone. The Flyers converted on the ensuing power play. A Capitals’ official after the game told me that Semin’s penalty, in his view, altered the game’s momentum. If the ‘Mo is with you in a Game 7, why would you needlessly alter it?
Part of Semin’s undisciplined undoing is perhaps hubris: his skills with his hands are so elite that he is exceedingly adept at pick-pocketing opposing forwards with pick-pocket stealth, and he can succeed with his stick in actions and areas that would be clear infractions perpetrated by mere mortals. This can — and in Semin’s case probably does — lead to the adoption of lazy defensive habits. But on Tuesday night in Ottawa, he simply dove and swung his stick at an onrushing Daniel Alfredsson, tripping him up. It was an act as shocking and undisciplined as it was needless.
In 2006-07, when Semin played 77 games, he accrued 90 penalty minutes. Were he to have played a similar number of games this season he’d easily have earned 100 PIMs. The data is this statistical column needs to be halved; Semin would be an All Star, and more importantly the Capitals would be a better team by virtue of it.
No doubt Bruce Boudreau has addressed the matter with Semin on any number of occasions. The question the head coach must be asking himself over the All Star break is, why does the harmful habit linger?
32 Comments
Few Comments. I see the arguments, but I do think a bit of the writing has glossed over some of a few key points that could be made.
One, while Semin is probably the poster boy, he doesn’t have a monopoly on stupid or undisciplined for this team. Having seen enough lazy hooks, interferences, and other bonehead penalties and plays from various players, he isn’t the only one without blame. Heck, Backstrom’s had a few in his time, including an inexplicable own goal and a penalty late against the Isles. Ovechkin’s not clear from any accountability as well.
Second, while I do agree that more trade proposals have probably been made for Semin, I don’t think that inherently is due to his undisciplined play. For one, it makes sense that he would be the one skilled player out of the Backstrom, Ovechkin, Green, and Semin group who people might actually be able to talk their way into making a deal for. He is a LW scoring talent who could be a good first liner on pretty much any team but this one. While I think his scoring is important to the team, out of the bunch, he would be the first I would be willing to part with. Most teams realize that the 1st line center, elite offensive defenseman, and then face of the franchise are parts the Caps can’t replace. But when the Caps already have Ovechkin on board, it is more feasible to see a team deal him.
As far as his penalties, I do think he has been taking too many this season. But what is his average and projected totals sans fight and misconduct this year? He has taken a few more stick penalties of late (I think some due to his injuries) but lets not try and trump up his penalty numbers as all because of him being lazy or being cheap with the stick work.
That said, I do agree that he must mature. But offensively, his gifts give him a long leash. Yet, there are other players who have gotten a long leash around here who can’t put up 40 goals and 70+ points. There are at least 2-3 on the team right now who are prone to making the same type of mistakes. I think the team and the coaching staff rather gamble on a game breaker, rather than a 3rd pair defenseman or 3rd line Captain who take similarly dumb penalties at times.
I have to say that I think your blog is a bit harsh on Semin.
I share your frustration regarding his senseless penalty in the Ottawa game, but really, his contributions this year far outweigh that momentary lapse in judgment. I really can’t recall another such lapse this season.
I believe he is maturing as a player. Credit Ovechkin and Fedorov, perhaps…
I am not bothered by the language barrier. He doesn’t need to talk to me and I don’t know that he needs to talk to the media, be it bloggers or regular press.
His play speaks for itself. IMHO, he is not the only one that has screwed up this year, but Semin’s lapses are limited and pale in comparison to what he has added to the team.
I have not seen enough this year to allow me to agree with you, but if it continues or if any player becomes a bigger liability than an asset, of course options need to be considered.
I don’t think we are there yet with Alexander Semin.
Lazy stick penalities seem to be a common theme on this team. Two jump out as particularly bad from the Ott. game.
Federov – hooking in front of his own net.
Semin – tripping in the neutral zone.
Both of these were bad penalties, that lead to goals. Both from two of the best players on the team. Both were the direct result of bad turnovers.
The fact is, these penalties are taken because this team listens to all of the media about how awesome its talent is. They seem to think that they can stick handle and loop and spin around everyone.
How good is the 4th line. They seem to cycle the puck every time they are out there. Its because they dump and chase. The Caps are a quick, big, talented team. There is no reason that they can’t dump the puck and put on a strong forecheck that will have most of the teams in the league on their heels.
I’m glad you wrote this piece because I for one, am sick and tired of his boneheadedness. I actually rooted for the Sens to score the other night because there’s no way his gross lapse and the subsequent loss couldn’t be pinned on him. Then I remembered that he’s by no means a rookie anymore and if he hasn’t learned by now he probably never will. It was at that moment I felt guilty for rooting against the caps.
The problem with trading Semin is that he’s Ovie’s best friend on the team and moving him will really break up the chemistry and goodwill in that locker room right now.
I don’t understand our fans love affair with Semin. Yes, he’s incredibly talented offensively. But he’s lazy away from the puck. Sure, he’s improved in the defensive and neutral zones, but he’s simply gone from horrible to serviceable. For all of his highlight plays there are 3x as many giveaways, fall-downs with the puck and simple clearing plays he doesn’t make.
Semin, to me, is like Tony Romo, extremely volatile. Both can single-handedly win games and lose games for their teams. For a team with Stanley Cup hopes the Caps need to bring down the volatility factor, because if they play their game – with no Seminesque brainfarts – they are on par or better than every team in the NHL (except Detroit and SJ). That’s why I’m not against trading him for the right player. We won’t miss him as much as people fear.
While I don’t think Semin is indispensible, and his lack of focus is sometimes maddening, it’s too early to give up on him. Despite the Game 7 penalty, I thought he was one of the best skaters for the Caps in the playoffs last year and he played with plenty of intensity away from the puck.
The guy has 4 game-winners this year (including that rocket vs. Boston) and has made many other plays that contributed to victory (such as his beauty vs. Pitt) over the course of the season. You could say he cost the Caps the Sens game, though that would be an over-simplification. Even if he did, he still comes out way ahead in the Jekyll/Hyde balance.
Talk about trading him next year when he’s about to become a RFA and can fetch a bounty of talent. The Caps need him this year.
Both Chimeara and Muddapucker bring up going points with regard to Semin and perhaps the posting was a bit harsh. However, I think that perhaps Pucks focused more on the negative because it seems no one is overlooking the great plays and pretty passes Semin does make. The point of the post seemed to be trying to counterbalance the highlight film plays with the blunders that cost us points, and even perhaps game 7.
Semin has the potential to be great, but he’s not going to be great here. As much as they are friends, I don’t think having Ovie on the same team will ever allow Semin to mature and become the player he can. I look at him and Ovie in sort of the same way I see my older brother and myself. Growing up, I always felt overshadowed by him and due to that, tried to emulate him to a great extent. Additionally, he always covered for me when I did really stupid stuff. I never really had to take responsibility for myself until he left for college. After that, I was on my own and had to grow up a great deal. I see the same thing with Semin. Yes he has a very similar skill set to Ovie so they play nearly the same way, but I think Semin is far better with the puck and would do well to exploit that further (as he was doing before he got hurt). Also, as Pucks pointed out, Semin never really talks to the media; Ovie does it for him. I agree with Muddapacker, he doesn’t have to speak to the media if he doesn’t want. However, I think it speaks volumes about his maturity as a player.
At the end of the day, as much as I’d love to see Semin and Ovie play together forever, I’m getting a bit tired of waiting for Semin to step up his game. Sadly, I think the best thing GMGM could do right now is put Semin out there with the stipulation that Nylander goes with him. Perhaps get a blue liner for them.
Don’t underestimate the importance of secondary scoring on this team. Semin has 18 goals in 30 games. If we move him for a D-man, who’s going to pick up the slack? Chris Clark? Snicker
Serviceable in his own zone?
+22 while he was healthy was serviceable?
Would I rather have a top pair defenseman who fits in with the team, kills penalties like a maniac than Semin?
Probably.
But right now, as this team is built, I don’t think the option to move him for one is there.
And another thing, re: last year’s Game 7… the only penalty that really mattered was Erskine’s in OT.. strangely enough, it was quite similar to Semin’s on Alfredsson the other night, a diving trip.
Great article.
I don’t know what Semin’s future holds but I’d love to see him stay with the Caps. I think the most revealing detail in this post – and it sort o runs parallel to what Boudreau said after the Ottawa game – is that Semin either doesn’t understand or accept the greivous errors. I posted after the game on the Post blog site that it’s that very trait that causes me problems. It’s like a young child looking at you after he does something wrong and either not answering when asked if he understands the problem, or simply ignoring it. Semin is clearly gifted but I often times see a player who doesn’t see or process the after effects of his actions on the ice. We can debate all the penalties every game – and many of them are stupid – but I get the impression that other players understand how they negatively affected the team.
I mean really, when asked what he was thinking and he responds with “I don’t know”…that’s a problem.
I do think he’s expendable and he’d certainly bring a quality player in return. The team had plenty of secondary scoring while Semin was out with injury so we know it’s possible.
One thing you forget to mention is that he has decided to stay in DC over the All-Star break — one could argue how that reflects on his maturity in a positive sense.
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And yeah, it was a bonehead penalty, but it certainly wasn’t the worst thing about the game. Semin’s maturity seems to lapse when the game is in question. If the Caps are playing poorly, chances are he’ll take a bad penalty, making a bad game a little bit worse. He doesn’t usually ruin a good game.
And, after all, he’s continuing his point accrual and has been consistent. I just wish they’d take the time to hit the corner they’re actually aiming for, rather than 3 feet above it
I believe the only reason Semin is not a Cap will be free agency $$$. And I agree, Ovy too has spent a decent amount of time in the box this year too.
Semin’s celestial skills outweigh his deficient hockey sense, no doubt about it. I don’t know how you don’t make a case for keeping him – his talents are second to none. He’s Datsyuk without the defense, but then again, what was Pavel Bure? A goal scoring machine, defensively irresponsible – at least Semin plays the PK.
Who would he be comparable to in another sport? Manny Being Manny? T.O? Gilbert Arenas? It’s an interesting debate.
Manny being Manny… HA
I think that is dead on, and I don’t think that Semin is the disaster in the lockerroom that Manny is.
He’s a great talent, no doubt. And I don’t want him to become a Cap killer, which he would if he ever left. But I want him to start thinking about what he is about to do before he does it. Same old story, less glitz and more hard work.
For Chimaera,
I don’t think Semin’s +22 is indicative of his defensive effort. He’s had the privilige of playing part of the season with Backstrom/Ovechkin, a line so dominating that other teams have a hard time controlling the puck, let alone putting up offensive pressure. When Semin’s playing with Fedorov he’s getting paired with one of the greatest defensive forwards of all time. Teams have a hard time controlling the puck when Feds/Semin are on the ice and, when defensive duty calls, Feds covers for a lot of Semin’s wanderings. Semin’s excellent +/- is a reflection of that, not of defensive or neutral zone prowess.
When the puck is in the defensive zone 5-on-5 Semin’s play is weak. Granted, he’s gone from “bewildered” to “capable” but I don’t know one coach in the league that would put him out for a defensive zone draw with the game on the line.
Maybe the best thing that could happen is Ovechkin gets an injury and Semin is forced to step up and lead Washington, similar to what happened with Crosby and Malkin last year. With the Capitals a lock for the playoffs as at least a 3rd seed, maybe…Although I’d rather that not happen
I think it’s pretty obvious that Semin, right now, isn’t Datysuk. You can’t compare the two and then neglect a very important part of Datsyuk’s game. Semin isn’t close to Manny in talent…nor T.O. (and I don’t like T.O.)
Semin is what we see so stop comparing him to Datsyuk and/or Bure. Semin is a very good scorer and an amazing stick handler but that’s all he is right now. I want Semin to remain with the Caps but let’s not gum up the discussion by calling him Datysuk or Bure…he’s not. Do you know why he’s not? If you’re the Detroit GM, would you consider trading Datysuk for Semin? How about Datysuk for Semin and Erskine (or another middle of the road player)? Nope. It’s much easier to look at it objectively if we stick to what we see him do on the ice and not make him into something, or someone, that he isn’t.
You know,there is a offensive defenseman on the Caps that has gotten beat on several occasions this year. Yet, he is extolled as the next Bobby Orr. And I love the guy! Wouldn’t even think of trading him.
The Caps can play conservative defense first hockey but that is not what Boudreau wants and that is not what the fans want. I think what Boudreau wants is an offensive game with defensive accountability, knowing that on occasion the Caps are going to get burned.
Thats different than bonehead or lazy penalties for sure…
My point is that it unreasonable to expect an offensive club without some defensive liability. You rarely see clubs that win 5-0 on a regular basis unless it be Edmonton of the 80’s or Detroit of the 90’s. The Caps simply aren’t there yet.
I truly think that we are making a mountain out of a mole hill. The Caps are second in the conference and improving. We really don’t need to mess with things at the moment… I don’t think the criticism is warranted against Semin for this one incident. True, he has a history, but give the guy a chance to redeem himself.
I think of the laser shot against Boston, the pass to Ovechkin on the Island, both resulting in game winners and what do we focus on? His dumb penalty. First one this year of this kind… Not first penalty, but first really stupid, undisciplined kind of penalty since he threw the puck down the ice.
That is not making a excuse for him, but just an appeal for fairness… Things are as good as they have been in quite some time! Let’s not overreact. The guy is a much improved hockey player.
Mudd,
I totally agree with you. I don’t think the Caps need to make any moves based on the play this season. I see the risk/reward of Boudreau’s style of play and I’m onboard – sometimes the offense is an integral part of the defense, and on his team that’s clearly true. In fact, when you review the last week and see that the team hasn’t given up and even strength goal, you see just how the pushing forward offense adds to the Ds success. I’m sure Boudreau will work with the team on both the PK and the penalties as a whole. He knows what’s what.
A comment thread such as this one reminds me anew of the caliber and passion of our readership here. Really thoughtful vantages shared; I’m deeply appreciative.
Everyone wants the perfect hockey team. No great team has absolute perfection, in fact the strengths, eccentricities and deficiencies of the various players – and how the team manages them – make a team great. It is all about how the team manages them.
Ditch Semin because he doesnt fit your ideal? Come on. He is an extremely talented hockey player and if the Caps cant manage to his and others talent (and lapses) then the Caps will not win the Cup.
Also, Semin got off on the wrong foot, now his almost un-OV-like personality makes him a goat. All the complaints about Semin could be applied to any other player including OV.
to #17 Topshelf. Certainly, him scoring has helped that number go up. But in the past he was a 40 goal scorer (almost) and had a significant difference in that number. I certainly think that playing with Fedorov helps a lot, and I can see the dominating Backstrom, Ovechkin, Semin line helping out, but he has made a specific effort to come back, back check (something he didn’t even do at all in his first year or two) and has been featured significantly on the PK. I personally think he’s one of the better PK players (and he also doesn’t seem to cost them there that much) on a unit that is generally poor at best.
to #18, Todd, at the beginning of the year, it was Semin carrying the load. This team was listless without much scoring from the vaunted Backstrom, Ovechkin combo, and Semin was doing most of the heavy lifting until he got hurt. Ovechkin’s goaless streak and short sabbatical did not hinder their gaining points (though it was a struggle some). While I don’t like to worry about what it would be like without Ovechkin, I do think he[Semin] has the ability to do some significant lifting if need be to keep the team competitive for a few weeks.
I’ll say this on the whole subject, I think a team like this does need a bit of the wild card that Semin brings. Sure, it would be better to have 10 more Ovechkins on the team, but that isn’t possible. Semin’s offensive gifts and at least passable effort at improving in his own zone do mean a lot. Yes, he does make stupid plays. Yes, he is probably just as likely to end up with a hat trick of lazy penalties (hook, dive and an interference) as he is a regular hat trick. But until he proves he is a cancer and will torpedo any big run they have, I think his gifts outweigh any negatives. Do you want him to work on the negatives? Heck yes. But this team is still only in their second legitimate run towards something big. If he blows up in their face come Playoffs, I’m certainly in the, he might be a negative on the roster category.
Chimaera,
I agree. I don’t think anyone thinks Semin is a cancer or anything like it. The coach needs to find a way to work on the deficiencies and get on with the positive. Speaking of addressing issues that I don’t like – and to be fair in looking at the players – I’m tired of our PP point play. I know…I could simply say everyone’s great and the season is great, but what good is that? We’d like to get better.
AO and Green are far below average when playing the points. I love both guys and I accept the risks involved, but so many pucks run out of the zone due to positioning. They both like to wander, which is their style, but I’d like to see AO moving in the zone (he LOVES the flat-angle slapper from below the circle) and not being required to cover the point. The lack of “stay on the point” play by both causes some issues. Even if they do get back they oftentimes aren’t able to hold the puck in. I’ve watch a ton of games from the top teams and they’re much more dedicated to the point. I know…it’s the style. Just saying.
Props to Erskine for being a presence since his return. I love the way Steckel is coming on. I’m a huge Killer B’s line fan (Boyd, Brash, Bradley). I dogged Theo relentlessly for two months but he deserves his due. He’s been great fo the last 10-12 games.
I’m not always negative.
Unlike apples, players who are among the upper echelon in skating, stickhandling and shooting don’t grow in trees. Yet here you are, p&b, hinting at shipping the guy out of town because of some mindless plays. Semin is a rare talent, in fact, a VERY rare talent that you don’t even think about getting rid of until you’re 100% sure he can’t be developed to match his superstar abilities. Does the name Brett Hull ring a bell? Calgary tired of his mouth and undisciplined play, so they traded him to Dallas where all he did was lead them to a Stanley Cup and earn himself a spot in the HHOF. And haven’t we as fans learned about the dangers of running a player out of town because of his penchant for untimely turnovers. Anybody remember Larry Murphy and how we were all so glad to get rid of him? Of course, all he did after leaving town on a rail was mature into the player who won four Cups and got selected to the HHOF. Here’s the simple fact, Semin is just 24 years old and he is clearly one of the most skilled players in the NHL. If he were 27-28, you might think about it, but no GM in his right mind is going to trade a kid with that much proven potential unless it’s mind-boggling, blow you away deal. And as for the comparisons to Datsyuk-let’s get real. For starters, Pavel is 6 years older and didn’t develop into the player he is now until his mid to late 20s. But for fun, let’s compare their first three seasons in the league. In 209 games, Datsyuk scored 53 goals and 154 points. In 192 games, Semin scored 74 goals and 137 points. Datsyuk’s averaged .73 points per game. And what was Semin’s average? .71 points per game. Today, Datsyuk is one of the premier forwards in the league. Still want to trade Semin?
There’s an old US Navy saying that one “Aw $*&t wipes out 10 attaboys”. Same holds here. But I think some patience is still warranted with #28. Does he make bonehead plays?…Yep..but he has improved as his +/- rating indicates. He’s still maturing as a player. I’m sure continued exposure to Feds as a mentor will help in this regard.
This is to #26 but I’m not sure if it’s going to work. Thank you. Semin is young and immensely talented. If the Caps were to trade him for anything other than a guaranteed stud defenseman, I would be certain they’d regret it. Does he do infuriating things sometimes? No question. But the fact is, he is the 2nd best goal scorer on this team and that +22 means a lot more than some are giving him credit for.
Also, Semin has 1.36 points per game this season. You know who has scored more than 1.36 points per game this year (with a meaningful number of games)? Malkin. You know who hasn’t? Every other player in the league, including Ovie, Datsyuk, Crosby, etc.
The season isn’t over and PPG and the +22 can be misleading. The assumption seems to be that if he hadn’t missed 15 games (or whatever the number) that he would still be +22 and averaging 1.36 PPG. In fact, if you consider a return to norm, his numbers will come down, as will (and have, Malkin’s) to something more like his career number. Yes..I know they are facts at this moment but his numbers, even as high as they are, are inflated based on the first twenty games. That, does not a season, or career, make.
Having thrown that out. I don’t want to trade him, I like him, but I think we’ve got a much higher opinion, as Caps fans, of him than he’s yet earned. I also totally agree that he could well be three years away from becoming the player he’ll be (see Datsyuk above) and someone would have to offer a huge talent for me to want the Caps to consider trading him.
I think we often want to compare him to AO, who at 23? seems like a more complete player, and that’s not really fair. Any more fair than adding in the snapshot of “including Ovi Datysuk, Crosby, etc.” as some measurement. Semin is none of those three by a long ways…right now.
Lots of great points made in the OFB storyline and in the reader comments section. It boils down to this:
a) Every player has their good and bad points; to get the good, you must accept the bad
b) I do think Semin has positively evolved and will continue to mature and improve
c) Semin’s not the only Cap to make bone-headed plays and penalties, but he seems to endure the most criticism. In part, this is due to the flashy side of his skill sets and in part this is due to press/blog coverage just like this
d) I am sure the Caps ownership believes Semin is a core piece of the future; he’s one of the four “Young Guns”
e) yes, Semin is apparently Ovechkin’s closest friend on the team and their friendship goes back even before they played in the NHL
f) Semin hasn’t out-priced himself at this point, and we have one more year on his contract
g) When his current deal expires in the summer of 2010, Semin is still a Restricted Free Agent
h) points a through g likely mean “HE AIN’T GOING ANYPLACE”.
There would be no reason for the Caps to get rid of him. He is one of 2 players we have that we know can score goals routinely. Backstrom, Green, Federov, Kozlov, Fleischmann may chip in a goal here and there, but if Semin is on the ice, he makes things happen.
So what if he takes a few penalties? He has more points per game than Ovechkin (1.36 to 1.28) and he might have the best wrist shot in the game.
We could use some defensive help, but I’d rather try and get rid of Nylander or Clark who bring NOTHING to the table. Not that we’re likely to get anything for them….
Danny,
The 1.36 to 1.28 isn’t a valid standard. Semin, since his return from the injury is averaging exactly 1 ppg which is something he’s never done for an entire season. AO, in that same period, is averaging 1.2 ppg. Which number to believe in? Who do you want? Semin’s first 15 or so games are no more clear picture of what his year-end numbers will be anymore than AO’s number over the last 20 games. I mean really, why don’t I just take the average of someone who got off to a great start and than missed the last 25 games and try to trade him based on that? I’ll tell you what, how about this, AO has 59 points so far this year and Semin has 41. Who do you want on your team?
When we get to the end of the year we can look at average points but it’ll still be misleading – I need my guys on the ice every game.
As I said before, I don’t want to trade Semin and I hope he has a long career in a Caps sweater but PLEASE stop with the Semin-to-AO comparison; it’s simply cherrypicking the numbers.
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