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.
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.
They said it was impossible. They said he didn’t have what it takes to make it long term in the NHL. They have spent years berating him and his brother 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.
Henrik Sedin deserves all kinds of respect in the hockey world despite arguments from those on the outside will say. They can keep telling us all the insults, there is not one negative thing that Canucks fans haven’t heard over the years. They will 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. Friday night was all kinds of incredible for Canucks fans to witness as Henrik Sedin had another night for the record books.
All week you could feel the energy building up in Vancouver as Henrik edge ever closer to the milestone. Walking into Rogers Arena for the game against the Florida Panthers, you could feel the anticipation in the air. There was a buzz among fans as we were ready to witness Henrik Sedin reach yet another milestone. His very first NHL point came against the Florida Panthers, so it seems fitting that his 1000th should come against them as well. The feeling in the arena was electric from start to finish. It is a game that my sister and I will remember every second of the experience for years to come.
Sometimes hockey is pure magic and if you’re really lucky you will get to witness it just as an incredible crowd did Friday night when Henrik Sedin scored his 1000th NHL point. Heading into the game, every single person in attendance knew the possibility of what we might witness and was hoping it would be more than an assist or an empty net goal, and boy did Henrik ever choose the perfect moment to deliver his 1000th point in style with a goal versus former teammate Roberto Luongo.
Down 1-0 in the second period, cue the Sedinery play taking over and pulling 18,000 fans to their feet. Edler to Daniel to Henrik putting the puck past Luongo. Pandemonium ensued as cheers rained down as the arena made their appreciation heard loud and proud. You could not have scripted the moment ANY better (unless perhaps somehow Burrows had been on the ice). Even more heartwarming than seeing that goal right in front of our seats was seeing not just the entire team rush to the ice to take in the moment, but also the props given to Henrik from Roberto Luongo.
Welcome to 1000 points club, HANK!
In case you weren’t lucky enough to witness the moment live in all it’s glory, here it is:
Here’s a little snippet of what it felt like to be there (credit to fellow Canucks fan Clayton Imoo for capturing the following video):
Henrik wanted the point and to reach what once seemed like an impossible feat but more than that he wanted two points for his team. Isn’t that just like Henrik, that rather than be 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 recognition, they simply go out setting an example of what giving their best looks like every shift.
Once again Henrik reached this latest milestone with his brother not too far behind him in the hunt for the very same feat. Daniel Sedin with an assist is now just 32 points away from joining 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 when the Sedins retire, but until that day comes, take in every moment of Sedinery that happens. Thank-you, Henrik and Daniel for 17 years and counting of incredible moments that will live long in the history of the Vancouver Canucks.
As always, until next time, nuck said.
Sarah E.L.
(side note: here’s a snippet of another incredible moment captured during Henrik’s milestone night, courtesy of the Vancouver Canucks:
Milestones begin to add up for NHL players over the course of their careers: their first game, first point, first goal, first penalty, first hat trick, number of games played and on goes the list.
Vancouver Canucks, captain Henrik Sedin is fast approaching yet another milestone: 1000 career NHL points. It’s an incredible feat and one that not every player reaches throughout their careers. One that takes commitment, discipline and perseverance.
January is quickly becoming a month to keep our eyes on as Henrik inches closer every game to this latest milestone. Heading into tonight’s game against Calgary, Henrik Sedin has amassed 996 points and counting. Let that sink in for a moment: Henrik Sedin is closing in on 1000 NHL points.
There was a time when many were unsure if Henrik and Daniel would have what it takes to make it long-term in the NHL. Neither Henrik or Daniel had it easy but they kept with it and now here we are over 1000 games later.
In those 996 points, there have been some standout moments: from his first goal to being named captain of the team to his 112 point Art Ross trophy season to his unbelievable chemistry with his brother, Daniel and to the moment he passed former teammate Markus Naslund as the Vancouver Canucks all-time leading scorer. Creating magic nearly every game with his play on the ice with his brother or as Canucks fans call it: sedinery.
And as it has been with their entire careers and reaching milestones…Daniel will also be reaching the 1000 points plateau later this season. That’s an incredible feat for one player on a team, let alone two players who happen to be brothers and have been line mates for their entire careers. Their critics berate them nightly and yet every season, they have continued to defy the odds.
Henrik will once again cross the milestone line just before Daniel, just like he won the Art Ross the year before him or reached 1000 games played. It seems only fitting that they will be crossing this latest milestone together, one after another.
From surpassing 1000 games played to amassing nearly 1000 NHL points, Henrik has made a long lasting impression on the game. Just 4 points separate him from his latest moment in Vancouver Canucks history.
(*Sidenote: Daniel Sedin is 35 points from also reaching the 1000 points milestone while Bo Horvat is just 7 points away from 100 NHL points.)
History is coming very soon. Where will you be when the moment happens?
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.
A hockey career can be divided into numbers. The number overall that a player was drafted into the NHL. The number of years that a player plays before retiring. The number of points a player amasses (both goals & assists). The number of minutes of ice-time that a player averages per game. The number of penalty minutes a player picks up. The number of power-play points a player amasses. The number of playoff games/series a player plays in and the number of points a player has amassed in playoff games. The number of awards a player has won. The number of teams a player has played for or the number of times a player has been traded.
Today, in honour of the Vancouver Canucks Captain, Henrik Sedin who will be playing in his 1000th NHL career game March 12, 2014; we will take a closer look at his career by the numbers. It is not often that a player plays 1000 games with the same franchise, but that is true for Henrik Sedin going into tonight’s game.
Spoiler alert: it is impossible to not mention Daniel in conjunction with Henrik.
Henrik Sedin was drafted 3rd overall at the 1999 NHL draft right behind his brother Daniel 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 16, 2000. His NHL debut was delayed because him and twin brother Daniel had committed to 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 Henrik and his brother Daniel were capable of on the ice. In the 678 games that Henrik has played in since the start of the 2005-2006 season, he has posted 687 points (148 goals, 539 assists).
In 2010, Henrik set a new franchise record for points scored in a single season with 112 points surpassing Pavel Pure’s record of 110 points (Daniel won the Art Ross in 2011). With his record points he won the first Art Ross Trophy for the Canucks franchise and also won the Hart Trophy. At the start of the 2010-2011 season, Henrik Sedin was named team Captain.
Last season may have been shortened due to the lockout but Henrik made it a memorable year when he surpassed former Canuck, Markus Naslund’s franchise record of 756 total points when he reached point number 757 on February 15, 2013. The standing ovation was thunderous.
This season marks Henrik’s 13th NHL season. In 999 regular season games, Henrik has been assessed 572 penalty minutes and amassed 192 goals along with 641 assists for a total of 833 points. Of those 192 goals, 50 of them are power-play goals, 6 are short-handed and 34 are game winners. In 13 NHL seasons, Henrik has played in 99 playoff games in which he posted 74 points (22 goals, 52 assists). Of those 22 goals, 9 were scored on the power-play and 4 were game winners. Those 99 playoff games also include 1 Stanley Cup Final appearance (2011).
In addition to 13 NHL seasons and counting…Henrik has also made waves playing for his home country of Sweden at competition on the international level. He has represented Sweden at two Olympics (would be three but was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Olympics due to injury) including a GOLD medal in Turin in 2006. Most recently he helped lead Team Sweden to the 2013 World Cup in May and also won two bronze medals at the WC in 1999 and 2001. In 81 games for his international team (combining junior & senior levels), Henrik has put up 69 points (27 goals, 42 assists).
His iron man streak may have officially come to an end earlier this season, but Henrik’s work ethic to always improve his game and give everything he has, will long be remembered when the day comes that he eventually does retire.
Mr. Milestone H. Sedin is the leading franchise player with the following records:
641 assists (& counting), 833 points (& counting), most points in a single season (112 in 2009-2010), assists in a single season (83 in 2009-2010) and most consecutive games played (679).
Here’s just a few of MANY memorable regular season Henrik moments.
11/14/09 FIRST CAREER HAT TRICK:
2/18/11 TIC TAC TOE…SCORES!!!!
3/14/13 Penalty SHOT! He dekes, he shoots, he scores…the crowd goes WILD!!!
4/11/07 QUADRUPLE OVERTIME:
There have been many moments of #sedinery by Henrik and his brother Daniel, and for the next four years there are bound to be many more. Vancouver Canucks fans are VERY fortunate to have been able to watch Henrik and Daniel mature from rookies to matured veteran leaders and reach superstar status. Brothers have played together in the league before but none have played their entire careers together from day one and had the insane chemistry that the Sedins have. There are times when they don’t even look at each other when making a play…they simply anticipate where the other will be and 95% of the time they are right. The twins have been there for nearly every milestone that the other has reached BUT this will be one that Henrik will have to reach without Daniel on the ice (out with an undisclosed injury). Even if Daniel isn’t in the lineup, you can be sure he’s cheering louder than anyone else in support of Hank. No one will cheer louder for Daniel when his moment comes next season than Hank.
It is an incredible milestone in many 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 Henrik Sedin tonight when he steps out on the ice. He has played EVERY game of his career for the Vancouver Canucks. I repeat how incredibly lucky it has been to watch Henrik’s career develop from a young rookie to the veteran leader that he is now. 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 is NO doubt in my mind, that one day both #33 and #22 will be up in the rafters at Rogers Arena. It will be 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.
In closing, I salute you, Henrik Sedin for 13 excellent seasons on & off the ice. Here’s to everything he’s done in the past, the present and the future still yet to come. #HankYouVeryMuch
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.
From Henrik to Daniel, from Daniel to Henrik, from Sedin to Sedin, or from Sedin to his brother…these have been common phrases used by sportscasters on a typical #sedinery play during many games. These two are so similar in their careers that is a little frightening at times. Needless to say the Canucks have had some incredible moments with the Sedin twins in the line up, especially in the last 4 seasons.
Since the twins re-signed with the Canucks in the 2009 off-season, the team has posted a 180-83-30 record in 293 regular season games. In those 293 games, Henrik has amassed 332 points [73 goals, 259 assists]. Daniel did miss 29 of those games BUT in the 264 games he has played in, he has amassed 296 points [112 goals, 184 assists]. It should also be noted that they BOTH had separate 100+ point seasons[the only other Canucks to do that were Pavel Bure and Markus Naslund] in the last 4 years. Combined they have won TWO Art Ross Trophies, 1 Ted Lindsay Trophy and 1 Hart Trophy for the Canucks organization. They have solidified themselves in the Canuck history books by BOTH surpassing former Captain Markus Naslund on the all-time points list where they now sit in the #1 and #2 positions.
This year they BOTH surpassed Naslund’s 756 points at home in front of their fans in each of their 905th games. Of course it took them the same amount of games to achieve that milestone. Henrik surpassed the record when the Canucks hosted the Dallas Stars and Daniel became number two all-time behind Henrik in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
So…with all of their incredible accomplishments are you glad we kept the Sedins? Do you remember that it was at the very last second prior to the July 2009 free agency madness that rumors were swirling that they would test the free agency waters? You also remember there was A LOT of hype about Toronto tampering with the idea that they could get the twins to sign with them? Can you imagine that outcome if it had come true [if they were now sporting that blue maple leaf]? I, for one do NOT enjoy thinking of what could have happened if they had left…it just makes me irritable.
We are very lucky to have been able to watch the Sedins grow throughout their career and watch the work they put into their game and the community. The Sedins are a HUGE part of the Canucks success and will be looking to help the Canucks finish their final game of this shortened season in style and help the team get primed for playoffs.
Heading into the final two days of the regular season all 8 seeds are claimed in the Eastern Conference…except the final order has yet to be determined with many teams still having a game or two left to play. In the Western Conference much like the Eastern Conference, only the top 3 seeds are locked down with the final order still to be determined.There are still 2 seeds left to be claimed in the Western Conference playoff race, although in 9th, Columbus is just ONE point behind Detroit[currently in 7th] and TIED with Minnesota[currently in 8th] and all three teams have ONE game left that will make for a very dramatic finish. When the final standings are in we will take a closer look at the Canucks and their first round opponent.
Just two days remain in this shortened regular season and we are in for a dramatic close before the playoff excitement takes over 16 cities! Are you ready? The madness is nearly here!
Share your playoff traditions[if any] below in the comments!
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