‘”Early on in his career, he was overshadowed by Chris Drury being there, Danny Briere being there, and I think that kind of helped him out,” Laich said. “He’s like [Semin] – most of the energy is focused on [Ovechkin]. Most of the focus from the defensemen was on Briere and Drury, so he could kind of freewheel and get opportunities.”‘
Semin, Vanek emerging among NHL elite
Source: Washington Times