Hurricanes coach Peters sees improvement in Semin's game: 'He's bought in'

Alexander Semin and Bill Peters finally appear to be on the same page.

The veteran forward, who's been scratched from the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup several times by the first-year head coach, has recorded two points in his past three games, and Peters credits Semin for doing what it takes to turn things around.

"He's bought in, he's worked hard recently in practice," Peters told Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer. "He's been good in the games. He's been competitive. He's played with more pace and he's made plays. He's playing as good as he has all year."

Semin has recorded only two goals and eight assists in 30 games this season, certainly not the kind of production that's expected from a $7 million per season player. He did undergo offseason wrist surgery, however, and missed seven games early on due to various injuries.

With the Hurricanes set to face the Ducks on Thursday, Semin's old coach in Washington (and current bench boss in Anaheim) believes the Russian is still capable of being a big-time player in the NHL.

"I think this is an anomaly that has happened to him this year," said Bruce Boudreau. "I think he's still as skilled as anybody. He's got a really good hockey mind. He's going to snap out of it. I just hope he waits to the weekend."

Semin is under contract for another three seasons, and the Hurricanes are certainly hoping his recent play and relationship with Peters remains level, at the very least.