IHWC

Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, both members of the Washington Capitals, each had hat-tricks in Russia's 10-1 win over Khazakstan in Russia's first game of the IIHF World Championships in Latvia. Evgeni Malkin, who will be a rookie with the Pittsburgh Penguins next season, added a goal and three assists. Very encouraging. If you thought Ovechkin vs. Crosby was exciting, just wait until next season when we get Ovechkin & Semin vs. Crosby & Malkin. I really think the NHL should find a way to realign the divisions so as to put the Caps and Pens back in the same division.

Sidney Crosby, by the way, had a goal and three assists in a 7-1 win over Norway.