Welcome to the back half of the Best of the Sedins countdown, the top 5 plays the Canucks’ top line orchestrated this year. Before we go any further, let me say that this list is far from definitive, and I’d be interested to hear your contrary opinions in the comments.
And, if you’re planning to happen by the comments, here’s something for you to ponder: are the Sedins the greatest players in Vancouver Canucks history? I think they are. I watched Pavel Bure; I watched the West Coast Express, too. For me, what the Sedins do night after night simply wins out. The way they move the puck, the meticulous way they break apart a defense, the casual way they do the incredible–it’s unlike and above any other superstars Vancouver has ever had.
You want proof? I submit, for the record, exhibits 5 through 1:
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5 January 03, vs the San Jose Sharks
At first glance, this goal is pretty nice, but it gets more rewarding once you realize Daniel Sedin is the first twin to touch the puck. After the Thornton turnover, Burrows sends it in front, where Daniel pokes it to Henrik, who makes an immediate return touch pass, pulling Niemi so far out of position that an usher asks to see his ticket.
4 December 12, vs the Edmonton Oilers
This play begins with a dump-in from behind the red line, a play that the Sedins have been using all season to open up space for their passing. It works perfectly here, as Daniel skates onto the puck, then swivels and makes a tape-to-tape pass across the zone. From there, Henrik centers for Burrows for the goal. The amazing thing here is the distance the puck covers in a few short seconds. It had jet lag for the rest of the game.
3 January 20, vs the San Jose Sharks
The day after this goal was scored, we found ourselves asking why nobody was talking about it. This is a one-on-one that becomes a two-on-one that becomes a breakaway in the span of about two seconds, as Daniel cuts across the blue line, pulling his man away from the middle and giving Henrik time to outskate everyone and get in behind him. After Daniel makes a beautiful saucer pass, Henrik pulls off a move typically reserved for the shootout.
2 March 29, vs the Nashville Predators
Here’s what we wrote following this goal: “For the unobservant, this is a no-look bank pass to a one-timed no-look backhand saucer pass to a mid-air one-timer. Nothing but net. This is Bird/Jordan stuff. Mind you, in Örnsköldsvik, they learn this in peewee.” And if you’re not yet fully impressed, consider that the defensive pairing that just got burned is Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.
1 February 19, vs the Dallas Stars
Yann Sauve probably felt pretty good about his chances for getting his first NHL assist, especially after springing the Sedins and Alex Burrows, 3-on-1. Then, the line proceeded to pass the puck about sixteen times, erasing his name from the scoresheet. The best reaction here belongs to Stephane Robidas, who is understandably frustrated that the final pass somehow goes directly through his body. It must suck when your molecules come apart like that.
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BECanucks
April 12, 2011My favorite are definitely 3&2. The fact that Sauve is out of the scoresheet kills it for 1…
But how lucky we are to have them night in night out performing their Wizardous Sedinery for us.
BeCanucks
April 12, 2011Let’s see if that registration thingie works… I haven’t foun a way to avoid the “SUN” icon, yet…
We’re with you, discovering that thing!
sunedit
April 27, 2011Gotta get an Avatar to beat The Sun.
toulouse toucon
April 12, 2011My plaudits to PITB!
You’re well deserving of success,
And in round one against the Hawks
I’m for the ‘Nucks I must confess.
Each version of “I watched this game”
Introduced me to this wondrous team,
So I’ve now my allegiance changed
And now sincerely share your dream.
The Chicken Hawk my stubborn man
Still thinks the Hawks the team to beat.
It should be fun tomorrow night
When his team the ‘Nucks defeat.
Again congrats PITB!
Cheers from Cinnamon Teal and me.
Chicken Chick
Anonymous
April 12, 2011:/ this layout is gawdawful and it cuts off all pictures
is there no way you could keep your awesome header?
ah well I guess it was too much to expect you guys to do your awesome content for free
but now you might get the sucky trolls that frequent The White Towel
Harrison Mooney
April 12, 2011Ha, I love your e-mail address, anonymous.
We share your concerns about the layout. Trust us, we’re working on it. In the meantime, try to look past it and focus on the harsh excellence of our writing.
Anonymous
April 12, 2011does this mean no more making fun of i mac
Harrison Mooney
April 12, 2011I assure you that we will continue to pick on Vancouver Sun writers.
Julia
April 12, 2011Congrats on the promotion PITB!! You have a great blog that deserves this recognition! Awesome post, I’m so excited for the playoffs tomorrow!!!! I think #2 might be my favourite, but I could be biased because the commentary made me laugh…
PetriSkriko
April 12, 2011For me the best is number two – simply for the 4th replay where you can see the brilliance of the chip saucer pass. Chip saucer pass!! That didn’t even exist before this goal! I just kept watching the last 7 seconds over and over…
Carmina2000
April 12, 2011Isn’t it time for the Sedins’ parents to adopt Burrows?
Nat
April 12, 2011Congrats on the new home! I agree…I hope the layout can be spiced up a bit, a little sparse right now. I want Jan Bulis’ face EVERYWHERE!
These are all great, but #1 deserves its place for sure. So much passing, and the initial diving effort by Yann Sauve just makes it even better. I look forward to your first 2011 IWTG….I started following the blog at the end of December, so I have no prior experience with PITB Playoff pun-iness.
DavidRThomson
April 12, 2011THATS THE ONE! THE ONE AGAINST STARS! That one is just a beauty! Hank’s one-handed goal should have been 2nd imo but how can you argue about sedin plays
BTW, do you know where I can find a good link (from CanucksHD) on youtube with Daniel’s spinorama goal against CGY last season I think….and even though it was a shootout goal, Daniel’s brilliant deke on Turco shud have cracked top 10 imo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6xDAI6s2FI) but other than that, you are spot on! Great stuff! Waited all day for this post 
DavidRThomson
April 12, 2011oh and Henrik’s penalty shot goal against Brodeur was pretty impressive too (how come they http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wODnHcilCKI&feature=fvwrel suck at shootouts??) (
George Stevens
April 13, 2011The real star of Goal #4 is Tom Renny’s face at the 12 second mark.
Human Cannonball
April 13, 2011The second is my favourite. I’m buoyed by the strong efforts of the Sedins coming at the end of this season. These playoffs are going to be killer!