Semin, Ovechkin to play for Russian National Team

Alexander Semin, as quoted in Sport Express, 3/19/07:

"Alexander Ovechkin and I are making plans to play for the Russian National Team in the upcoming World Championships, and we've already booked plane tickets for Moscow for April 10th.

"I will be rooting against Pittsburgh in the first round, so that Malkin can also join the team. If Montreal doesn't make the playoffs, that would also be good, as there is Andrei Markov. Who else? Alexander Frolov-- if Los Angeles doesn't make the playoffs, I think that he will also join the team.

"I would very much like to see Maxim Avinogenov, but there isn't much hope for that, as I don't think Buffalo will lose in the first round.

"What I say won't make any difference, though, as the players aren't the ones picking the team. All we can do is show up ready to play if we're asked."