Just Who Is That Masked Man?

'I'm Very Emotional'

In April 2006, both sides did. Semin signed to a two-year contract that expires after this season.

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He didn't wait long to announce his return to the NHL. His hat trick in the Capitals' home opener last season, a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, served notice of his immense skill.

"He's the Capitals' secret weapon, because Ovechkin is obviously the one everyone focuses on, and for good reason," said Brian Engblom, a former NHL player and current television analyst for Versus. "Meanwhile, Semin is pretty darn good. He has such a quick release, and a great wrist shot. He's so quick with his hands."

Semin's wrist shot has been compared to Colorado's Joe Sakic, a future Hall of Famer, and Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk. Semin's speed, shifty skating style and slick stickhandling skills have been compared to Buffalo's Maxim Afinogenov.

"Even when I talk to guys [from other teams] in the summer, they can't believe his skill," Capitals captain Chris Clark said. "It's something they haven't seen before."

Semin's game, though, is far from flawless. Like many wingers who play his type of game, Semin's defense is lacking, and he has a penchant for taking lazy penalties. Last season, he racked up a league-high eight high-sticking infractions and 13 for hooking.

"Sometimes, it's the refereeing," Semin said. "You get hit in the head with a stick, and the other guy gets nothing. Then I pull someone's stick with my stick, and I get a penalty. I must get used to it."

What happened March 31 in Tampa had nothing to do with the officiating. But it left some of his teammates angry, and others shaking their heads in disbelief.

Angry when no penalty was called after he was checked from behind, Semin picked up the puck and threw it into the corner in protest. He earned a penalty for closing his hand on the puck, and the Lightning scored what turned out to be the game-winner on the ensuing power play.

Behind closed doors after the game, Semin received a stern lecture from the team's leaders.

Asked about the incident, he said: "I'm very emotional on the ice. I didn't think."

Kolzig said he hoped Semin learned an important lesson.

"We've all at some point in our career gone through some criticism we didn't appreciate, especially from our peers and our own teammates," Kozlig said yesterday. "We were trying to make him a better player."

About a month later, Semin's reputation took another hit when he was left off of Russia's world championship team after arriving 3 1/2 hours late for training camp. He was heartbroken.

Speaking With His Stick

Determined to redeem himself, Semin worked hard in the offseason to improve his conditioning and arrived for training camp last month focused and in top condition.

Expectations for both the Capitals and Semin are considerably higher after an offseason spending spree that landed three veteran free agents.

To accommodate the new players, Semin has been moved from left wing to right wing and is expected to start the season skating with rookie Nicklas Backstrom and playmaking center Michael Nylander, who racked up 83 points while serving as Jaromir Jagr's setup man for the New York Rangers last season. If Semin and Nylander mesh, Semin's offensive numbers could spike.

"We are still learning to play together, so the results aren't so good right now," said Semin, who will miss tonight's season opener because of a sprained ankle. "But it will improve."

Ovechkin, Semin's confidant and roommate on the road, said: "If he needs to say something, he asks me or [Viktor] Kozlov. He's getting better. If he learns English, it will be better for him. But he tries. I see it, everyone see it."

Semin maintains his comfort zone by surrounding himself with friends and family; his parents are living with him in his Arlington townhouse. His mother prepares Russian meals for him and tends to his errands so he can focus on his job.

Away from hockey, he spends much of his time with Ovechkin, catching a movie, shopping, bowling or talking cars. Both players drive top-of-the-line Mercedes sports sedans.

After games, Semin dresses quickly and slips out of the locker room, leaving Ovechkin to absorb the spotlight.

"I don't think he has any interest in being understood," Capitals Coach Glen Hanlon said. "He's not any different than I am in that regard. We don't care what other people say or write about us. We know what we do. That's why I like him. He likes being under the radar."