The day has finally come, a word I never thought I’d hear either Henrik or Daniel say out loud. Or perhaps, it’s one that I hoped would never be said. At the conclusion of the 2017-2018 regular season, the Sedins will be officially retiring from the NHL.
There are NO words that I can put together that will possibly ever come close to enough to express my thanks, but here we go:
Henrik & Daniel,
Now that it’s officially, official; how do we as a city, as a fan base begin to thank-you for everything you’ve done? Is it even possible for us? For the last 18 seasons, the two of you have defined this team and mesmerized the NHL with your twin-tuition on the ice.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for 18 years of absolute magic, defying the odds, the ever persistent pursuit of your dream that became a reality and for inspiring SO many players and fans to also never give up. I wish that you could really know just big an impact you’ve made on the team, the franchise, on the city, the province and on the fans around the world. You made the coaches, your teammates, this city and every single Canucks fan beyond proud.
How many brothers that have been blessed to play in the NHL, can say that they have played their entire careers side by side for the same franchise? How many can say that they won back to back Art Ross trophies as the league leaders in points? How many can say that they BOTH put up 1000+ points?
We will savour these final three games. this final hurrah in your storied careers that are destined to be forever immortalized in the hockey hall of fame. Three more games for us to savour every last moment of Sedinery yet to come.
Over the last 18 years. you’ve given everything you had and more to this team, this franchise, this city and the fans. Your dedication was never in question, you persevered through the good and the bad and always led by example. Leaders on and off of the ice. You defined what it meant to play with heart. And please know that going into this final stretch of your careers, that you NEVER once let this city down.
And to THIS fan, to all Canucks fans, no matter what happens next on your journey or where your path takes you when this season comes to an end, you will always and forever be Canucks.
It’s near impossible to pin point ONE favourite moment of Sedinery magic when you’ve given us 18 years on unbelievable moments. Among those most treasured for me are witnessing Henrik notch his 1000th point, Daniel scoring many of his 41 goals during the 2010-11 season BUT my most favourite was just days ago when my sister and I finally had the opportunity to meet you both:
Little did we know, that just two days later you would make an announcement that would both break our hearts and make them soar with pride that we’ve been lucky enough to witness your entire careers. There’s not been one game that I’ve attended at GM Place/Rogers Arena that both of you didn’t play. Picturing a Canucks team that doesn’t feature you at it’s heart, will take some time to adjust to.
And while I’m excited for the team’s exciting potential down the road, I’ll never forget the two legends that paved the way for this new core. You’ve left an indelible mark that will forever be felt in the franchise and looked upon to remember that even when things get tough, all that needs to be done is to think back of how you both always kept pushing forward despite the odds and we will be reminded that when you tune out the negative, ANYTHING is possible.
Thank-you doesn’t seem even close to enough but it’s what I have to offer. Henrik, and Daniel, THANK-YOU, for everything.
And to all of YOU Canucks fans, let’s make Rogers Arena thunderously LOUD these final two home games of the season. Let’s show Henrik and Daniel just how much they’ve made a difference for all of us Canucks fans.
**I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but there was a lot to say.
Henrik and Daniel Sedin deserve better, VANCOUVER. There is one thing that all of Vancouver fans owe to the Sedins, and that is RESPECT. It’s true that they often do not get the credit they deserve from the East Coast, but lately that disrespect has started to creep over to the West Coast and the city itself. They have given everything they have and more to the team, the fans, and this city.
No matter how great a season they or the team had, it’s never considered enough. When the team is playing well, somehow they aren’t responsible for the good luck but when things go south, the weight is put on their shoulders. All of the blame is often thrown at them. Winning or losing, somehow it is never enough. Have they had stretches where they’ve struggled? Yes, but so has every single player to ever play the game. Every game, every practice, every season, they have taken on the weight of the city that is laid upon them. One day it’s praise for their Swedish scoring finesse or community work, the next it’s non-stop critiques and tearing them down, with the fan base often following suit of the media directed opinion. One day, everyone loves them, the next people are calling them out for reduced point production or begging for the team to move on from them. Oh how quick we are to forget all that they have done for this team and this city. It is most recently forgotten with the emergence of Bo Horvat and the rise of Brock Boeser, that the Sedins are destined to not only have their jerseys retired by the team but to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
So let me help you out. I’m going to tell you a part of the tale featuring: TWO future hall of famers named HENRIK & DANIEL. So take a seat, and prepare to listen the whole way through.
Picture it: it was the 1999 NHL draft and somehow Brian Burke managed the impossible of drafting not one, but BOTH of the Sedin twins. There had been some dark days after the Canucks 1994 run…(Ahem the Messier experiment…) and that fateful day at the draft in 1999 was the beginning of a new era: SEDINERY.
Henrik and Daniel would not make their NHL debut until October 2000. Even in the early days of their career, there was a massive pressure on their shoulders because of all the hype. Everyone expected them instantly to be successful and showcase their finesse with the puck and they did at times. Those early days they showed flashes of what was to come but it was not yet at their best level and everyone from the media to the fans made sure that the twins heard how they could and should do better.
It couldn’t have been easy to come into a city and league with massive expectations already on their shoulders before they even stepped onto the ice. Every game, every season the pressure seemed to amp up around them and the team. Those first few years when the struggles of the team and their individual games, the rumours swirled faster day by day that perhaps the Sedins were not meant for success and perhaps the team should cut their losses and move on.
Oh what a mistake that would have been! Yes, it’s true that it took the Sedins a few years to hit their stride, but when they did, what a journey it has been to witness as a Canucks fan. Those first few years were not easy, and then the lock out happened which forced many players into playing overseas for a season. Perhaps that lockout year in 2004-05 was a blessing in disguise, the twins played for MODO back in Sweden, and it helped spark the turn around for them.
The puck dropped on the 2005-2006 season and the Sedins came back to the Canucks setting career highs in points behind captain Markus Naslund. That season was also when Anson Carter became the first “third” Sedin, as a line mate that consistently was able to get the twins the puck and anticipate where he needed to be. It was an exciting line to watch that season. Cue the following season, when Roberto Luongo helped back stop the team to the 2007 NW Division title heading into the playoffs and HENRIK scoring the game winner in quadruple overtime of game one versus Dallas. I still remember so vividly that never-ending overtime and the pure elation when that puck crossed the goal line. No, it wasn’t a series winner, but any game winner in quadruple overtime is a memorable goal. The 2nd round was not our forte….but there were some great moments despite the loss and the blame cannot all be placed on ONE player so do NOT go there.
The following season wasn’t perfect but the Sedins were still consistent, Trevor Linden played his final game and the team showed flashes of what they could be with a promise that they would be better the following season. The[ 2008-2009] season opened with the Canucks beating the Flames 6-0….that was certainly an amazing opening act. And yes, I recall that tough 11-game losing drought that came in January…and how everyone wrote the Canucks off from playoff contention. Once again the team looked like it would be on the outside looking in, once again all of the rumours became everyday vernacular. And then came one fateful February game where it looked like the streak would stretch to 12-games, out of desperation for something to change the course, a pesky Alex Burrows who no one would’ve suspected to be a game changer, scored the goal that ended the streak. It was not long before Burrows was dubbed the official “Third Sedin” or a triplet, they played unbelievable down the stretch to win their 2nd NW Division title in 3 years and just like that the city became crazed in playoff dreams. The first round brought the St.Louis Blues and 2-0 series lead gained at home…including a shutout in game 2. ***let me just say that going to a playoff game is even more incredible than during the regular season…! The Canucks would go on to gain a 3-0 series lead with a chance to sweep..something they had never done before EVER and of course it came down to less than 20 seconds of OT[looking certain to go into a 2nd overtime] but who else but BURR gets to goal for the SWEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great goal-tending & an excellent PK won the series hands down….the next round brought out the Chicago Blackhawks….and well it started out great….1-0 series lead….2-1 series lead….a back & forth game 6 that looked briefly as thought the Canucks would win….but of course we all know what happened…they didn’t and this was the 1st heart-ache the Blackhawks caused me and also ignited a deep loathing of all things Chicago Blackhawk related.
The [2009-2010 season] brought out special circumstances with the Winter Olympics being smack dab in the middle of February and requiring the NHL to pause their season for 2 1/2 weeks while many players represented their countries in the event. The Sedins who had previously won an Olympic gold medal with Sweden in 2006, had a special opportunity to represent Sweden on their regular season home ice. No medal for them in 2010, but that must have been some kind of incredible experience to see the Olympic games take place in their arena.
Upon returning to the regular season, Henrik and Daniel returned to the lineup and helped the team win their 3rd NW Division title in 4 years and HENRIK won the Art Ross Trophy with 112 points! The 2010 playoffs once more brought excitement to the city still high off of Team Canada winning gold on home ice at the Olympics. Round one went back and forth with the Kings[some great glove saves on both sides..particularly that one LOU had on Smyth!]…but it was the lack of penalty kills and WAY too many penalties being taken that nearly cost this series…..I remember thinking just kill ONE penalty and stop taking more….and finally they killed one and then another and then a few big saves…and a game 4 won to tie the series..and suddenly they were in control of game 5…and game 6 WON! Round 2 once more brought the Blackhawks from the windy city…and once more it started out great…1-0 series lead….but then down 3-1…….and then game 5 WON…..and hope once more….but we all know what happened in game 6…..it wasn’t pretty. 2 years in a row….twice in 6 games the Canucks were eliminated by Chicago…twice they were the better team. It ignited an even greater dislike of all things Chicago Blackhawk related.
Perhaps, one of my favourite goals from that time:
The [2010-2011 season] was all kinds of awesome. The Sedins continued their dominance and helped to lead the Canucks to their BEST franchise record EVER…[54-19-9…earning 117 points to earn the Presidents trophy securing home ice for the entire playoffs] in which they led in all the important categories : #1 powerplay #1 penalty kill(*3rd by playoffs, still amazing), #1 in goals scored and #1in least goals allowed. The Sedins continued their dominance league wide. They won the NW Division title for the 4th time in 5 years and won the entire regular season in the West & the East….the next best team had 109 points. This time it was DANNY that won the Art Ross. The Canucks opened the playoffs against their playoff nemesis Chicago Blackhawks…yes I know..3 years in a row…how is that even possible?! The Blackhawks were lucky to make the playoffs in 2011…but still they had a talented team. The Canucks knowing that if they were to go a long way MUST beat the previous Stanley Cup champion team. It was a fantastic 1st 3 games…the Canucks led the series 3-0!! Seemed just right.but we should all know to never count Chicago out, the Blackhawks started playing the way they always do…and got themselves right back into the series…tying it 3-3….leading to the inevitable game 7…do or die. There were so many implications going into that game….and then it started…LU opened with some great saves and then KES to BURROWS…SCORES!!!!!!!!! and the score remained 1-0 for nearly the entire game…a missed penalty shot….then there was a last minute powerplay which ended up with the Blackhawks tying it shorthanded rather than 2-0 it became 1-1. Overtime for all the marbles….Canucks take a bad penalty….SHARP goes for the goal…but STOPPED BY LUONGO….and suddenly the penalty is over. Campoli misses the clearing attempt BURROWS steals and SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The dragon had been slayed…or as Jim Hughson said it: “it’s a great day for an exorcisim, Vancouver!”.
SHARP shoots…GREAT SAVE LUONGO!!! Campoli misses the clear, BURROWS steals…shoots SCORES!!!!!!!!!! THE CANUCKS SLAY THE DRAGON!! BLACKHAWK DOWN! The games that followed were an amazing run….and one of these days the Canucks will win the cup[every team will have their day]. It was a heck of a run, the entire city was transfixed from beginning to the end.
That season that followed…maybe it wasn’t as amazing as the 2010/2011 season…but it was still a great one…that ended in a 2nd President’s trophy. BURR scoring & LOU stood tall to end the streak in Detroit….these two teams always play great against one another. And maybe there was no magical playoff run this time…but DO NOT place all the blame on Luongo or any one individual player. That is illogical. It breaks my heart to think of how quick when things go wrong that the local media(The Province & The Vancouver Sun in particular) followed by the fans are to solely blame the goalie, the Sedins,…even if the entire team struggled…but all the media focused on the Luongo’s mistakes, and the Sedin’s lack of scoring. I’m sick of it. There were so many factors that led to the end of the team’s season, so many “what ifs”.
And yes, the years that have followed haven’t been easy for the team. Many of the players that were a part of that 2011 run have moved on to other teams or other leagues. The Canucks as a team have only made the playoffs twice since then and according to many seem destined to be out of the playoff picture for years to come. The last few years, many media and fans on social media have been taken with the notion of tanking in order to ensure a top 3 draft pick(which as we’ve all seen is NO guarantee).
And yes, the Sedins aren’t exactly in their prime but they still bring consistency night and night out when they are in the lineup. The Sedins have continued to hit milestone after milestone in this league and with this franchise, most recently both surpassing 1000 points in the NHL. During this most recent stretch when the team was missing some key players for more than 20+ games, it was Henrik and Daniel leading the way quietly with a combined 45 points.
Henrik Sedin 1000th point:
Daniel Sedin 1000th point:
Why after everything they’ve endured the last 20 years, would they want to come back? For the money? No, it’s never been about the money for the Sedins. They are leaders on this team, on and off of the ice. With an influx on young players, it would be all kinds of incredible They love this game, they aren’t done yet and no matter what the media from the East coast, or the West Coast, no one can take that away. And if we let them, they will keep giving it all to this city and this team. And if they choose to hang up the skates after this season or come back for another year, they deserve our utmost respect every step of the way. The Sedins have more than earned that, and as a whole, Vancouver, we can DO BETTER. Let’s DO BETTER.
So the next time you think about following the media’s standpoint on criticizing a player..just think back to what they have done for the team, the city, and the fans…do not just adopt their attitude presented in their article because it is not always true.The fans should not be taken in by the media’s tirade on the team or their players. I would hope that the local media would report the accurate facts not just when things are going well but also when things aren’t going well for the team. Instead during the difficult stretches, it becomes an attack on the players and coaches. Just once, it’d be nice if they would encourage the fans and the city to still cheer loud because that positive perspective can go a long way. I will never understand how the local media when things go bad can never find one decent thing to say about the team…but only the negatives…and if that is all the fans are reading…suddenly those become the thoughts they are thinking when a similar spiral begins and they too start sharing the same negative blame placing attitude. It is unacceptable and hopefully in the coming season things will change. How would you feel if every time you opened the paper there was a new article about how everything that is going wrong is yet again somehow YOUR fault….it would be ridiculous. Hockey is a TEAM sport…a TEAM game…and like any TEAM game…TEAMS win or lose TOGETHER.
They said it was impossible. They said the twins would never be in Hockey Hall of Fame discussions. First, they said Henrik couldn’t achieve the feat and then he did. Then they said that Daniel couldn’t either. Now, Daniel has once again followed Henrik’s name into the history books. They said him and his brother didn’t have what it takes to make it long term in the NHL. They have spent years berating him and Henrik for everything they do on and off the ice. They have no idea just how valuable these two players have been to the Vancouver Canucks organization, fans and the city of Vancouver. 18 years of nothing but all class from their humble beginnings to their now storied careers.
Daniel Sedin deserves all kinds of respect in the hockey world despite the arguments from those on the outside that suggest otherwise. They can keep telling us all the insults, there is not one negative thing that Canucks fans haven’t heard over the years about the Sedins. The Sedins will just keep proving why they ARE deserving of being inducted into the hall of fame, one day down the road.
From a rookie searching for his game to a now seasoned veteran leading the way on and off the ice. Thursday night was all kinds of incredible for Canucks fans to witness as Daniel Sedin had another night following Henrik into the Canucks record books. For Henrik, fans were lucky to witness the feat on home ice, but for Daniel this milestone came on the road in Bridgestone Arena.
Sitting just 14 points away from the milestone at the start of the season, you could feel the energy building up among Canucks fans as Daniel edged ever closer to the milestone moment one game at a time. Heading into the game against the Nashville Predators, you could feel the anticipation in the air. There was a buzz among fans and the media as we were ready to witness Daniel Sedin reach yet another milestone. Heading into the game against Nashville, the Canucks were coming off of a tough stretch in recent games with some tough losses followed by the devastating news about Derek Dorsett, the team needed a boost. Daniel was sitting at 998 NHL/Canucks points before the puck dropped. From the start of the game, Daniel and Henrik were buzzing, you could almost feel the sedinery that was about to unfold.
Sometimes hockey is pure magic and if you’re really lucky you will get to witness a player hit a milestone that anyone and everyone said was impossible from day one of his career. Daniel scored a goal assisted by his brother to notch his 1000th NHL point against one of the best active NHL goalies, Pekka Rinne. Heading into the last few games, every Canucks fan knew the possibility of what we might witness from a far and were hoping it would be more than an assist or an empty net goal, and boy did Daniel ever choose the perfect moment to deliver his 1000th point in style.
Daniel was just two points away from the milestone. A scoreless first period was followed by a back and forth second period that saw the Predators holding a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes. With the Canucks down 3-2 to start the third period, Daniel led the charge with scoring the game tying goal from Brock Boeser and Henrik on the power play. The ONLY downside to Daniel’s milestone 1000th NHL point is the fact that it happened on the road instead of on home ice.
My favourite part of the moment, was seeing the ever legendary magic of Sedinery aided by the ever growing magic that is the FLOW, Brock Boeser.
Welcome to 1000 points club, DANNY!
In case you weren’t lucky enough to witness the moment live in Nashville, on live TV due to a power outage, in all it’s glory, here it is:
WHAT A MOMENT! 1000 points is an incredible feat for any player to have in their career, even more incredible when it happens entirely with one organization. Daniel is the SECOND player ever in franchise history to amass 1000 points with the Vancouver Canucks. And yes, there has been a ton of buzz about the rise of rookie Brock Boeser making a race for the Calder, but yesterday was about Daniel Sedin. Daniel was looking like a determined player ready to have one of his best games of the season. He got 999 points on an assist, but that didn’t stop him, he went on to get that milestone 1000th point and his 1001st!
After such a milestone night, Daniel was ever the humble one, acknowledging that as big a moment as 1000 points in the NHL is, he was happy with how the team came back to win this one for Derek Dorsett. He was happy to get milestone, to see players like Brock and Loui have success, even happier that the team picked up a big two points regulation rallying for Derek who could not be in the lineup. Isn’t that just like Daniel, that rather than being consumed by his own milestone, he put his team first? Sounds familiar doesn’t it? The Sedins while deserving of immense respect do not go out looking for special recognition, they simply go out setting an example of what giving their best looks like every single shift.
Last season, Henrik reached the 1000 points milestone with his brother not too far behind him in the hunt for the very same feat. This season, Daniel Sedin with a 3-point performance in Nashville, has joined his brother in the 1000 points club. Will we see another Sedin milestone this season or maybe early next season? One thing is certain, whether it occurs this year or next season, Canucks fans are incredibly lucky to get to witness both milestones.
The day will come down the road, when the Sedins retire, but until that day comes, we should savour every moment of Sedinery that happens. Thank-you, Henrik and Daniel for 18 years and counting of incredible moments that will live long in the history of the Vancouver Canucks organization.
Tomorrow, Canucks fans, we will celebrate Daniel, let’s make it THUNDEROUSLY loud in Rogers Arena when the puck drops and all game long. Go Canucks Go!
Thank-you, hardly seems close to enough for what you have given this city for 17+ years, but I’m going to try. First things first, please know that neither one of you have ever once for a second ever let me or this city down.
Fans from around the league have never really understood just how lucky Vancouver Canucks fans have been to have witnessed the entirety of your NHL careers. The road to success wasn’t any easy one, but you both persevered through it all. From playing the Swedish Elite League, to the NHL draft, to a tough start in the NHL, to the 2004-05 lockout, to Olympic Gold medals to pure dominance of Sedinery that led to back to back Art Ross Trophies to accumulating endless franchise records. From rookies to seasoned veteran leaders, you have both exuded professionalism on and off the ice and you have done it with incredible grace.
More than 1200 games each over the last 17 years in Vancouver, you have embodied everything that it meant to have the heart of a Canuck. You were never meant to have success in the NHL, let alone play your entire careers together, lead the top line for an extended period or score many franchise goals or become inspiring pillars within the community or leaders on and off of the ice.
The 1999 NHL draft forever changed not just the league but the fate of the Vancouver Canucks franchise. That day, no one could have predicted that the next 18 years would unfold in such a whirlwind of memorable moments. At the beginning no one was sure of what kind of impact you could or would go on to have in an NHL lineup. There was the constantly mentioned potential but until you both started playing, no one really knew what to expect. Most saw the underlying skill sets that were there but as is the way with a hockey market, when there were growing pains in the early days, quick judgments and assumptions were made. For a while, it seemed like maybe they had all missed the bigger picture and to tell you the truth, in those early days, I had to stop reading the newspapers.
Most people wanted to see what I saw, the potential of what could be beyond those early days, but they also wanted to see the increased numbers and stats right away. It took some time, as is the case with any career, there were some growing pains as you navigated the waters on the way to success. It started slowly, and then suddenly all at once before all the “experts” could complete their critiques, the ever evolving Sedins were flourishing and leading the way.
Through 17+ years, you have seen your fair share of coaches come and go but there were two in particular who saw and helped shape you to be the players you’ve both become. Marc Crawford and Alain Vigneault. Crow & AV always recognized your full potential and yes even made some unconventional choices like putting a pesky Burrows on a line with you one fateful February day that spurred a shift that season and a inspired a few seasons worth of highlights. The critics never stopped with their critiques but you both always found a way to respond with grace and constantly prove them wrong.
You never let the negativity in. You always rose above it all, every step of the way. You have always done whatever was asked of you by the coaches and management. Every day, you were and are consummate professionals on and off of the ice. And when called upon to help within the community with Canucks For Kids, Canucks Autism Network, the BC Children’s Hospital or a myriad of other charities, you are always there. You give everything you have with every shift on the ice and every moment you are constantly giving to the community throughout your continued tenure with the Vancouver Canucks.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you and thank-you again for 17+ incredible years of defying the odds, the ever persistent pursuit of your dreams, and inspiring so many more to never give up. I wish you knew just how big of an impact you’ve made on the team, on the franchise, on this city, on this province, and on the fans. You made your coaches proud. You made your teammates proud. You made this city proud. And you’ve made Canucks fans around the globe proud.
IF this is it, IF this is the final hurrah, the final season of your career or IF you keep playing for another year or two, I am going to savour every single moment of Sedinery yet to come. And Henrik, when Daniel joins you, in the 1000 points club this season, we will cheer just as loud, or maybe louder because that means there are now TWO Canucks legends on the roster.
And to THIS fan, no matter what happens at the end of this season or when the day comes that you decide to hang up your skates, you will always and forever be Canucks. When things get tough, all I have had to do was think of how you both always kept pushing forward despite the odds and I am reminded that when you tune out the negative, anything is possible. Thank-you doesn’t seem even close to enough but it’s what I have to offer. Henrik, and Daniel, THANK-YOU, for everything.
The rumour mills are in full swing as the 2017-18 NHL season edges ever closer. The latest whispers getting louder out there right now being the possibility that THIS is the Sedins last season playing in the NHL. Is this the end, or perhaps the beginning of the end of the phenomenon that is Sedinery? Just writing and even considering the truth in those questions hurts to think about. The day the Sedins stop playing hockey will be a hard day.
What is Sedinery, you ask? It is the pure magic that has occurred when Henrik and Daniel Sedin have showcased their skill sets on the ice over the years throughout their careers. The Sedins have been a part of the fabric of the Vancouver Canucks since June 1999. In fact, it is impossible or very near impossible to envision the team when they are no longer on the roster.
IF this is in fact their last season, from the day they were drafted (2nd and 3rd overall in ’99) to their veteran days, they have left an indelible mark on the Vancouver Canucks.
From the outside, the Sedins are seen as “soft”, called “sisters”, and in general are viewed as players who are not elite. From the outside, because they have not won the Stanley Cup, often they are not considered worthy to be a part of that discussion. That’s the view from the outside.
From the inside, as a fan who has witnessed their entire career from the beginning, those on the outside do not understand just how elite these two players are.
In Vancouver, they are so much more that just two hockey players. They personify everything that it means to be a Canuck. They are brothers, they are leaders on the ice, they are leaders off the ice, they are resilient, they are well spoken, and they are pillars within the community. They didn’t have an easy path to success, they struggled early in their careers, and some wondered if they would ever make it. They have always been their own worst critics, and despite what so many on the outside have said or speculated, they always rose above it.
I cannot tell you how many times over the years, even when they had their record breaking seasons (including back to back Art Ross trophies), that I read reports from both sides of the hockey world, that often many “experts” missed the truth of who the Sedins are. Yes, they would talk about the facts but they never quite understood the awesome that is seeing the Sedins play the game. The way they read off one another during a game, from shift to shift, on and off the ice, it is beyond magic. They seem to anticipate where the other is, often without even looking up, and making a play that to the outside would seem odd, but if you’ve been paying attention, you knew that some how that puck would find the other Sedin. Just as they always have, they’ve reached record after record in Vancouver, one after the other.
It’s not often ONE player, let alone TWO on the same team will amass more than 1000 points. Only 86 NHL players including, Henrik have joined the 1000 points club. By season’s end, Daniel will once again follow his brother’s foot steps further into the Canucks history books when he scores his 1000th regular season point.
Is it fair that they do not want to be traded and desire to retire as Canucks? ABSOLUTELY, they have more than earned that right to that decision. They have played the entirety of their careers in Vancouver, a place that has been where they’ve played hockey and a place that has become their second home. They have been a part of the team since their draft day. They have seen Vancouver through all kinds of seasons on the spectrum from terrible to record breaking, never wavering on their loyalty to the team or the city.
Truthfully, in Vancouver, we do not deserve the Sedins, but we DO owe them the same loyalty and respect that they have always shown Vancouver. IF this is in fact their last season playing in the NHL, I plan on savouring every last moment of Sedinery as it plays out.
The Sedins are old. The Sedins play making days are long behind them. The Sedins are on the cusp of the end of their respective careers. The Sedins should pack it in and retire or request a trade out of Vancouver. Canucks fans have heard it all. Maybe some of them even started to believe it to be true that this is the beginning of the end and maybe it is exactly that. Maybe these are the twilight years of their respective careers, but who says they have to take the decline route? The Sedins may be thirty-five but that does not mean they are finished.
Sure, November was not exactly the most memorable month for the Vancouver Canucks in the win column, BUT Sedinery had it’s mark in nearly every game. The twins put on a showcase all month long, amassing a combined thirty-five points over fourteen games.
Henrik: 6 goals, 11 assists (17 points)
Daniel: 8 goals, 10 assists (18 points)
Here’s a few examples of the artistry that was November Sedinery:
Some kind of pass from Daniel to set up Hansen:
Just when you thought the Blackhawks were going to break our hearts on home ice, the twins took over the game, scoring the first of three late insurance goals:
Game tying goal versus Torts:
Or back to the Chicago game…when Daniel notched his 900th career point as he set up his brother for the first tying goal of the game:
Nov-Sedinery-ember was fun to witness and gave rise to hope that the twins are not done yet. Thirty-five years old and they still continue to take the hockey world by surprise. They may be approaching the tail end of their careers but they are doing so in style and and adding to their one day legendary status. The day will come when the Sedins decide to hang up their skates and Canucks fans will never be the same having witnessed the entire career of two incredibly uniquely gifted players. For now, I say, let’s enjoy every moment of Sedinery that was, and is yet to be.
I have said it many times, a hockey career can be broken down into numbers. From the number a player was or was not drafted to the goals scored or points amassed. A player’s jersey number. The number of minutes a player spends on the ice per game, or the number of penalty minutes amassed over their career. The number of playoff games a player has played in and the number of playoff points accumulated in those games. The number of teams a player has played for and the number of games a player has played over their career.
On November 23, 2014, Vancouver Canucks assistant Captain, Daniel Sedin reached a milestone among the numbers that make up an NHL career: 1000 games played.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers that make up Daniel Sedin’s career.
(Spoiler alert: Just as with Henrik’s 1000th game milestone post: “Milestone HANK”, though this is dedicated to Daniel’s accomplishment, his brother will be mentioned a time or two as their careers go together like two peas in a pod. It is near impossible to mention one without the other.)
1000 games played is a milestone in many an NHL career, but having played all 1000 games for ONE team is an even tougher feat to complete. Daniel Sedin has followed in the steps of his twin brother Henrik, yet AGAIN on THIS latest milestone. Welcome to the 1000 games played for ONE team club, Danny!
Sedin was drafted 2nd overall at the 1999 NHL draft right ahead of brother, Henrik by the Vancouver Canucks. His NHL debut was the start of the 2000-2001 season, on October 5, 2000 and he scored his first goal October 8, 2000. His NHL debut was delayed because him and Henrik had committed to play one more year with MODO (in the Swedish Elite League) before making their names known at an NHL level.
It was not until after the 2004-2005 lockout that fans and media fully realized the star potential that Daniel and Henrik were capable of on the ice. In the 686 games that Daniel has played in since the start of the 2005-2006 season, he has posted 674 points (250 goals, 424 assists).
Vancouver Canucks fans have been incredibly lucky to have seen both of the Sedins develop from promising rookies drafted in the first round of the 1999 NHL draft into the elite players that they have become today.
During the their 15-year journey, the twins have witnessed two lockouts and accomplished many feats. During the 2004-2005 full season lockout, they played for MODO in the Swedish Elite League. In 2006 they won Olympic Gold for Sweden, they helped lead Sweden to GOLD at the 2013 World Championship and in Sochi, Daniel picked up Olympic Silver in 2014. In 2010, Henrik won the Art Ross Trophy and in 2011, Daniel did the same. In February 2013, Henrik passed Markus Naslund’s 756 franchise points record, Daniel did the same in April of that year officially ranking them #1 & #2 in the Canucks record books. Last season saw Henrik celebrated the 1000 games played milestone, this season was Daniel’s turn. Daniel may have developed a knack for following in Henrik’s steps in the record books BUT he has more than made his own mark in NHL history.
This season marks Daniel’s 14th NHL season. In 1001 regular season games, Daniel has been assessed 424 penalty minutes and amassed 825 points (311 Goals…69 of which have been game winning goals + 514 Assists). Of his 311 goals, 112 have been scored on the power play. Impressive to say the least considering that early on despite all of his potential there was the question of whether he and his brother would have staying power in the NHL. Could they reach that elite level? It may have taken some adjusting but the twins have more than answered any lingering questions about their abilities over the last 15 years.
There are MANY moments to choose from and many more to come, but here are a few memorable Daniel Sedin moments:
From his very first NHL goal:
To some of the most ridiculous Sedinery moments like these:
Or THIS recent OT game winning goal, from what looked like a near impossible angle:
It is very rare to see ONE player, let alone TWO players TOGETHER play 1000 GAMES for the SAME team. Sedinery will NEVER go out of style. As a Canuck fan, I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to watch Daniel Sedin from early in his career to maturing into an elite player and now seeing him rediscover his Sedinery magic with Henrik this season.
A handful of brothers have played together in the NHL before but none have played their entire careers together from day one and the natural chemistry that the Sedins have. They seem to simply anticipate where the other is without even looking at times when making a play…and 95% of the time they are right. The twins have been there for nearly every milestone that the other has reached but THIS one moment just like for Henrik is Daniel’s to enjoy as his own. Unlike Henrik’s 1000th game when Daniel was out with an injury, this time BOTH twins were 100% healthy and Daniel celebrated THIS milestone with Henrik by his side.
It is an incredible milestone in many NHL players’ careers to reach the 1000 game mark but it is rare to see a player play 1000 games with ONE franchise, but that is exactly the case for Daniel Sedin. Just like his brother, he has played EVERY game of his career for the Vancouver Canucks. Just THREE players have suited up for 1000+ career games with the Vancouver Canucks: Trevor Linden, Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin.
May I ask yet AGAIN: how incredible has it been to watch Daniel’s career develop from a young rookie to the veteran leader that he has become over the last 15 years? The Sedins have had the fans and media critique them every step of the way but I ask you, Vancouver, do you realize how lucky we have been to witness the careers of these two? There will never be another pair like these two with their incredibly accurate no-look passes that turn little innocent looking plays into absolute magic not to be repeated goals.
There is NO doubt in my mind, that one day both #33 and #22 will be up in the rafters at Rogers Arena. One day, when the twins retire, it will be beyond strange, to not see the Sedins on the ice, but perhaps by then we will finally be able to fully appreciate just what these two mean to the franchise. It is not just their amazing abilities on the ice, but also the work they do off the ice with the Canucks charities and in the community that will make them irreplaceable.
Here’s to you, Daniel Sedin for 14 incredible seasons both on & off the ice. Here’s to you and Hank leading Vancouver all the way! Here’s to everything you have done in the past, the present and the future still yet to come. #DANKYOUVERYMUCH
Stop #1: Capital…absolutely Capital timing as the Canucks met with the Ottawa Senators.
The game perhaps did not start the way the team intended as it was all Ottawa in the first period and it reflected on the scoreboard when MacArthur scored his 100th Career goal. Needless to say Torts was not impressed with his team’s poor start to the game and he let it show behind the bench with his words in particular to Jannik Hansen.
Mind you it was only a 1 goal lead for the Senators heading into the second period BUT Vancouver could not waste time in letting this game get away from them. Props to Hansen for taking the harsh words in stride and for the rest of the bench taking words in stride to turn the tide of the game.
Cue Mr.Clutch Alex Burrows getting the gritty puck work done along the boards behind the net to set the twins up for the tying goal just 31 seconds into the second period. JUST 45 seconds later David BOOTH gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead which was followed by a power-play goal from Jason Garrison just 2:50 later! Midway through the middle frame the Canucks had stretched their goal count to 4 and Craig Anderson’s night was over. Offense that had been lacking in recent games was on the menu for the visitors this night.
Milestone #300 finally goes in for DANNY BOY! Congratulations DANIEL! [Did you know of his 300 goals, Henrik has assisted on 214 of them? That is insane in the most awesome way!]
**Daniel Sedin is only the 3rd Canuck to hit the 300 goals mark! He now only trails Trevor Linden [318] and Markus Naslund [346]. With 53 games still left in the schedule…it is plausible that Daniel could surpass Trevor Linden before the season ends.
Garrison seems to have found his game recently and was rewarded with this fantastic cannot miss shot for his first goal since game #2! Looks good playing point on the power play don’t you think?
Stop #2: New York, New York…where the Canucks had anything but an Empire state of mind.
Oi vey…where to begin with this game. The Rangers were looking to have a bounce back game while the Canucks were looking to put a string of wins together. One team was going to achieve their goal and it all came down to who put their best team effort on the ice…and that is exactly what happened.
The Rangers jumped ahead to 2-0 lead much to the delight of the home crowd and their delight did not end there as in the second period they jumped to a 4-0 lead. Luongo’s night at the 3-0 goal and Lack in to try and spark the team in some way. Booth’s goal put the Canucks on the board before the end of the middle frame.
The Canucks put themselves in a pretty steep hole making the comeback improbable. The Rangers all but secured their victory when Kreider put the home team ahead 5-1 as he completed a hat trick and hats rained down at MSG. The Canucks did manage to get another goal as Daniel scored a power play goal late in the game to make it a 5-2 overall score.
This was definitely not the Canucks best game by any means, possibly one of their worst BUT the good news is that they had an immediate opportunity to have a bounce back game the very next day.
Stop #3: Sweet Caroline…bounce back they did indeed. Torts was not happy with the team’s effort on Saturday and neither was the team. The Canucks knew they had to have a MUCH better effort for their Sunday matinee game. Eddie Lack made his 5th start of the season.
Remember that power play that struggled in the first 20 games? Including Ryan Kesler’s first period goal against the Hurricanes, Vancouver’s power play has scored in 7 of the last 9 games. It should be noted before Kesler made it a 1-0 lead…he took a puck to head, shook it off and gave the Canucks a rare FIRST goal of the game lead [a trend that has not happened enough if you ask me!].
The first period was all Canucks as they dominated the first 20 minutes out-shooting Carolina 9-4 as they visitors jumped up to 2-0 lead. The second goal was a point shot from Garrison tipped in front from Tostito [aka Sestito!].
As we all know NO lead in ANY game is ever safe.
The second period was Carolina’s turn to take this game over. The Hurricanes not to be outdone by the visitors came back VERY quickly scoring two goals in 10 seconds to tie the game at 2. To be honest when Carolina tied the game so quickly…I had flashbacks to the Chicago game when they similarly changed the tide in 9 seconds. That being said the Canucks did not give up their compete in this one, they shook off the shock and came right back. Just 27 seconds after the Hurricanes tied the game…Ryan Kesler scored his second of the night give the Canucks a 3-2 lead.
Despite the quick start to the middle frame and despite the Hurricanes out-shooting the Canucks 17-10 in the middle frame, were not able to find the 3-3 equalizer.
The third period was a pretty even affair. Carolina came very close, if not for a little help from Burrows, the Hurricanes may have tied the game again! Heck of a save BURR!
Kesler came oh SO CLOSE to completing the hat trick BUT Ward made an important save to keep it a one goal game. Carolina pressed for the equalizer late in the game even pulling Cam Ward for the extra attacker as the clock was winding down. You do recall that the other team pulling their goalie has been the Canucks kryptonite as of late right? They ALWAYS get it…or at least that is how it has gone all season long. NOT THIS TIME. The Canucks held on to the ONE goal lead and walked away with TWO points in REGULATION. Yes…this really happened! Lack was solid in net finishing with 29 saves.
The league’s number one penalty kill unit got put to the test killing 6 straight penalties! Needless to say, by the final buzzer this was a much more complete game from the team. Can they be better? Every team can always be better and can always learn from mistakes made in previous games.
Next Stop: The Canucks will close out their 4-game road trip in Smashville….otherwise known as Nashville. It won’t be an easy game…it never is against the Predators and the Canucks will have to put their best game on the ice to earn the two points.
From panic following the first loss of the year to MASS celebration over the first win.
Mind you, I know more than a few people panicked following Edmonton’s quick start on the scoreboard after which they were given a power play. Turns out there was no reason to panic as the Canucks were quick to respond by scoring short-handed to tie the game at one. By the end of 40 minutes the team had established a 5-1 lead and would go on to win the game 6-2.
The Canucks did a lot of good things in this game. Positives from Game 2:
Canucks put 44 shots on net [All Canucks registered a shot on net except Weber]…whereas after game 1 everyone was asking why they didn’t shoot the puck more.
A fiery Ryan Kesler accounted for 9 shots and a fight.
Luongo played solid with 21 saves.
6 different Canucks scored goals [Richardson, Hamhuis, Hansen, Daniel Sedin, Kesler, and Garrison].
Special teams were once again in top form: accounting for 2 short-handed goals and a power-play goal.
2 goals were scored 18 seconds apart.
The Sedins combined for some #sedinery racking up 5 points.
Torts once again establishes he doesn’t care what others say but rather the effort the team puts on the ice.
The win came in front of the home crowd.
Long story short, the team played one of the best games I have seen them play in nearly 2 years. Aside from the early goal by Edmonton, Vancouver was in control of this game. That being said, it was one game and one game does not make a season. We will take the win and move on to the next one.
There is little time to savor the victory as the team is back at it again in Calgary tonight. The focus shifts to Game 3 and looking to gain their first road win. Back to back games always represent a challenge. They will need to play with the same tenacity that won them Game 2 but also stay disciplined as special teams are always a factor in every game. Best of luck tonight Canucks!
Will you be watching tonight? Puck drop is at 5:00 PM [pacific time] on Sportsnet.
Yes, today’s profile features not ONE but TWO players and the answer to that is simple…you cannot talk about one Sedin without mentioning his brother. The two are nearly inseparable on and off the ice. Their chemistry is so seamless that at times they make a play that looks to be harmless into a sensational showcase of #sedinery.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin were drafted 2nd and 3rd overall in the 1999 NHL draft by the Vancouver Canucks. The opted to delay their NHL debut by signing to play with the Swedish Elite League for one more year following the 1999 draft.
There was a lot of hype about these brothers when they finally did make their debut with the Canucks and they faced a lot of critics [and still do]. The first few years of their careers began with a slow scoring pace that caused much concern for their critics. They did not fully showcase their superstar potential until they returned from MODO following the 2004-2005 lockout for the 2005-2006 season posting a combined 146 points [42 goals, 104 assists].
Fans were given a glimpse of their incredible play making abilities with the placement of winger Anson Carter on their line in the 2005-2006 season. It seemed over the next few years that the coach could place almost any winger on a line with the twins and benefit greatly.
The year to year winger experiment was beneficial to the lucky player placed on their line BUT the Sedins needed a true line mate that could not only benefit from playing with the twins but also benefit the twins.
One day in February 2009, an unlikely experiment was attempted amidst one of the longest losing streaks in franchise history, when the coach placed a pesky winger named Alex Burrows with the twins. A funny thing happened…he fit in even better with the twins than any other player. Did he benefit from his big minutes on the top line? Yes…but he also opened up ice and created space which benefited the twins. It was not long before fans and media alike began calling them the #triplets. Burrows and Sedins together quickly became one of the top offensive lines in the NHL and continue to capture their opponents off guard with their seamless passing and timely goals.
In 906 NHL games Daniel has amassed 758 points [291 goals, 467 assists]. ***Out of his 758 points, 607 of those have come in the 591 games he has played following the 2004-2005 lockout.
In 940 NHL games Henrik has amassed 792 points [182 goals, 610 assists]. ***Out of his 792 points, 646 of those have come in the 622 games that he has played following the 2004-2005 lockout. ***FUN FACT: BOTH brothers achieve their milestone 757th points [to surpass Markus Naslund’s 756 points record!] in their 905th games.
It is hard to imagine them playing apart when they have played together their entire careers [as far back as when they first began to play the sport in Sweden] and have a chemistry playing together that some players never develop. Together they have accomplished many feats: winning gold for Sweden at the 2006 Winter Olympics, back to back ART ROSS trophies[2010, 2011], Henrik won the Hart trophy in 2010, Daniel won the Ted Lindsay award in 2011, together they led the team to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and helped team Sweden win gold at the 2013 World Championship.
Here are just a few classic #sedinery moments to prepare for next season[because there’s 2 of them, you get a few extra highlights!]:
Remember this beauty when Hank & Danny stole the show?
Can we please sign Hank up for the shootout already?!
This tic tac toe goal features the #triplets getting away with some #sedinery magic
Daniel Sedin scores a highlight reel vs. Minnesota:
Daniel scores late to force OT:
Going into this season, the Sedins will be looking to have a bounce back year putting up big numbers and taking their game to a whole new level as they prepare to earn a spot on the Swedish Olympic team and help the team go on a long playoff run. The keys for the Sedins success will be to not let the opponents distract them from their game and to remain healthy for the majority of the 82 game schedule. When the Canucks open the season October 3rd, look out for the twins to start the year with a new determination as they look to lead the team deep in the spring.
Lastly the Sedins will be looking to extend their contracts before the season’s end as their current ones expire at the end of the year. The twins have made it known that they WANT to STAY & WIN with Vancouver.
nucksaid 