‘Canes rip Brouwer for Semin critique

Tonight’s Washington-Carolina tilt should have plenty of emotion.

That’s because a day after Caps forward Troy Brouwer ripped Alex Semin — his former Washington teammate, now with Carolina — the ‘Canes jumped to Semin’s defense on Tuesday, slamming Brouwer in the process.

“You never like to see anyone say things like that,” captain Eric Staal told the Raleigh News and Observer. “Troy Brouwer seems to say that about a few guys that he’s played with. He’s entitled to his opinions and we’re entitled to ours.

“We have nothing to say but good things about Alex — he’s been great for our team.”

Here’s more from defenseman Joe Corvo, who played with Semin in both Washington and Carolina:

He, too, was miffed to hear of Brouwer’s remarks.

“I would assume (Semin) would get mad and want to prove otherwise,” Corvo said. “Betrayed, probably? I’d feel betrayed if one of my former teammates said something like that about me. You’re supposed to be a family when you’re playing together.

“If you’ve got a problem with someone, say it. Don’t say it later.”

Carolina forward Tim Brent also jumped to Semin’s defense, via Twitter.

Just read Troy Brouwer’s comments about Semin. I can say on behalf of his teammates that we love having him here, and he has been (cont)

— Tim Brent (@Brenter37) February 25, 2013

a big part of our success so far with his consistent play and work ethic. NOT only his scoring ability. I hope he sticks it to them #canes

— Tim Brent (@Brenter37) February 25, 2013

Semin, it should be noted, turned down all interview requests heading into tonight’s game.

The ‘Canes and Caps will get things underway at 7 p.m. ET tonight, from the Verizon Center.