Though the Washington Capitals trail the Boston Bruins for first place in the Eastern Conference by nine points, it's impossible to ignore the fact that Washington has defeated Boston twice this season, most recently on Saturday night, when the Capitals held on for a 2-1 victory.
The margin of victory: a goal scored by Capitals winger Alexander Semin on an absolute cannon blast of a slap shot from the right wing. The goal was Semin's 18th of the season. He'd likely have a lot more if he hadn't already missed 18 games so far this season, primarily due to a nagging high ankle sprain.
After the game, Dmitry Shumin of Sovetsky Sport caught up with Semin in the Capitals locker room to ask him about the game-winning goal, his health and not getting selected for the Eastern Conference All Star Team.
Sports
Alexander Semin: Much better, thanks!
DS: Judging by how you shot the puck when you scored the game winning goal, it sure looks like your back is fine. Can you walk me through the goal?
AS: I just got the puck on our blue line, ran away from couple of Boston players, and shot it without even thinking.
DS: Why did you decide to use your slap shot instead of your wrist shot? Did you want to surprise everyone? After all you don't use your slap shot very often.
AS: Why surprise? I mean I know I don't use my slap shot very often, but I barely had any time to think. In hockey everything is decided in a split second, so I just shot it. Perhaps from now on I should change my style a little and use my slap shot more often.
DS: Why did Washington lose 3 games in a row?
AS: We won a lot of games before that, did you notice? But every team has some slumps. We lost 3 (games), now we won 2 (games). Our team is playing well. Everything is fine.
DS: Did you get upset because you weren't invited to an All-Star game?
AS: I missed many games because of the injuries. (Of course) I wanted to play (in All-Star Game), but it is what it is.
DS: What are you going to do during the (All-Star) break?
AS: I thought about going to Miami for few days, but I decided to stay in Washington. My friends came (to visit me). (I) Won't be bored.
Alexander Semin Dismisses All-Star Snub originally appeared on NHL Main on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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