Maybe Alexander Semin Wasn’t The Problem In Washington After All

Now that he has moved on, the Washington Capitals must be wondering why they thought Alexander Semin was the cause of their problems.  Or if not the cause, at least not part of the solution.

Feb 26, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save on a shot by Carolina Hurricanes right wing Alexander Semin (28) at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

After the two parted ways in the off-season, many eyebrows were raised when the Hurricanes signed Semin to a 1 year deal worth $7M.  After all, he was an enigma in Washington and was inconsistent at best.

A great move, as it turns out, for the Canes, who now hold a 6 point lead in the Southeast Division and despite the injury to Cam Ward, look to be in good shape to win the division for the first time since 2005-06.  By the way, the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup that year.

Semin has fit in perfectly on the top line with Eric Staal and Jiri Tlusty, which has been arguably the top line in the league. Semin has 23 points in 22 games and is +17, tied with Staal and Chris Kunitz for the league lead.

Meanwhile, Washington is languishing in a tie for last place in the Eastern Conference and Semin has at least 4 points more than any of his former teammates currently do. (The man who essentially replaced him, Mike Ribeiro, has 25 points).

So who exactly was the problem in Washington?