Sticking It to Crosby

As we all know, NHL players are obliged to give dreary interviews, devoid of opinion and personality.

But Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals has yet to read that clause in the standard player's contract. Talking with Dmitry Chesnokov at Puck Daddy, Semin allows his thoughts to roam wild and free.

He even dares to take on hockey's golden idol...

What's so special about [Crosby]? I don't see anything special there. Yes, he does skate well, has a good head, good pass. But there's nothing else. Even if you compare him to Patrick Kane from Chicago ... [Kane] is a much more interesting player. The way he moves, his deking abilities, his thinking on the ice and his anticipation of the play is so superb.

Full credit to Semin for saying out loud what plenty of people are thinking. Sure, Crosby is an elite-level forward and a threat to win the scoring title. He's right there with Ovechkin, Malkin, Iginla, and a handful of similarly gifted stars. But he has yet to set himself apart.

Somebody will get to young Alex Semin soon enough and set him straight. He'll learn to keep his opinions under wraps.

But for now, Chesnokov and Puck Daddy have the media scoop of the season.

(Photo: Len Redkoles/Getty Images)