Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby has been listed as day-to-day with a hip injury that occurred during Thursday night's 4-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. Crosby left during the third period of the game and did not return to action.

Almost like a page torn from Pro Wrestling, Washington Capitals rising star Alexander Semin called out Crosby and the league by asking "What is so special about Sidney Crosby?". "I don't see anything special there. Yes, he does skate well, has a good head, good pass. But there's nothing else." To read his entire interview, click here.

Semin is clearly shouting from a position of strength right now, as he flew out of the gate putting up 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in his first 9 games and is tied for the lead league in scoring with Pens forward Evgeni Malkin. The Capitals have also been lucky that Semin's production has somewhat masked the curiously slow start by superstar winger Alexander Ovechkin.

What reaction this kind of statement will bring is unclear, but I wouldn't be surprised if Gary Bettman swoops in to squash any controversy that may develop. Crosby is not the kind of player to respond to this, but I would look for some reaction from his fellow teammates and the next time the Pens and Caps meet... that is gonna be fun.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh