In the final home game of the season, the Sedins dazzle the crowd with a classic Sedinery goal in overtime and say farewell to the Canucks faithful. RECAP
The Vancouver Canucks celebrate an overtime goal by forward Daniel Sedin (22) against the Arizona Coyotes. (Photo: Anne-Marie Sorvin, USA TODAY Sports)
Canucks legends Henrik and Daniel Sedin played in their final game in Vancouver on Thursday night, and much like they did for their entire careers, they put on a show.
After combining for a goal in the second period, the twins won the game against the Arizona Coyotes in overtime on the power play with Daniel scoring off a feed from twin brother Henrik.
The twins and longtime teammate Alex Edler first hooked up on a pretty passing play during the second period.
That the Sedins combined again for a goal in the city they became hockey icons in was cool.
Even cooler? The strike was Daniel Sedin's 22nd goal of the season — 22 being his jersey number — at the 33-second mark of the second period — 33 being brother Henrik's number.
Daniel's 22nd of the year.
Scored 33 seconds into the period.
Assisted by Henrik, #33.#ThankYouSedins for these moments. pic.twitter.com/zcy9yzzHiN — NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2018
The Canucks rallied from a 3-1 hole in the third period to force overtime at 3-3, and Daniel Sedin ended the game by pumping home his second goal of the contest off a feed from Henrik.
Second of the game for Daniel, scored at 2:33 of OT and assisted by Henrik, #33.
WE ARE NOT MAKING THIS UP. #ThankYouSedinspic.twitter.com/x0nX30GL2t — NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2018
The pair received a lengthy ovation from the home crowd following the game.
"You couldn’t dream of a better ending in this building, the last time we stepped on this ice. It was emotional," Daniel Sedin said.
Said Henrik: "When I woke up this morning I knew it was going to be a big day. We tried to enjoy every minute of it.”
“It’s tough to find the words. Special from warm-up to now. This is a night to remember.” - Henrik Sedin — Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 6, 2018
Edler, the Sedins' Swedish countryman, also picked up an assist on the OT winner.
“We talked before the game it was going to be loud. We just fed off that," Edler said.
“The twins had a great game. They were on fire. It was a perfect ending.”
The Sedins, 37, announced earlier this month that this season would be their last.
They made their NHL debuts in the 2000-01 season after being the second (Daniel) and third (Henrik) overall picks in the 1999 NHL draft, establishing themselves as a premier playmaking duo in the NHL. Captain Henrik led the NHL in points in 2010 and added the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Daniel Sedin won the 2011 Art Ross race and Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player as voted by the players. That season the Canucks went all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final before falling to Boston.
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The Sedins sit 1-2 in team history in games played and points (Henrik just ahead of Daniel in both categories), while Daniel holds the team record for goals.
Contributing: Associated Press
Canucks fans were the big winners in the preposterously perfect Sedin home-ice swan song Thursday night — but three in particular made out better than most, sharing the largest 50/50 prize in North American history.
Vancouver real estate agent Derek Kai was one of the lucky trio, walking away with a third of the $507,278 jackpot, or about $169,000.
In an email, Kai said he was "super excited."
"I have been a long-time Canucks season ticket holder and always buy tickets for the 50/50 draw. Last night, lots of family/friends/coworkers were asking me to get tickets. In total we had about $650 worth," he said.
Vancouver real estate agent Derek Kai split the jackpot with two friends. (rennie.com)
The pot for the final home game of the season started out with $400,000 already in it, courtesy of six previous 50/50 jackpots that were unclaimed.
Before last night, the season-high payout was $74,610.
Kai says he and his two friends will be meeting on the weekend to discuss what to do with the windfall.
The other half of the 50/50 goes toward the Canucks for Kids Fund charity.
