Player Profile: Daniel and Henrik Sedin, The Quiet Superstars

The Sedin twins are no longer the boys they once were. Via: Canucks.com

On Monday night against Chicago, Daniel Sedin eclipsed a franchise milestone, passing Markus Naslund to sit second all time in career points, behind his brother Henrik of course. Due to a couple of injuries Daniel as suffered in his career, Henrik was able to get there first chronologically. But in terms of games played they were, as in most things, identical. Henrik and Daniel both reached the milestone in their 905th career game. When asked about this startling fact after the game Henrik replied, " (I was) two minutes ahead of him though". Such is the nature of the competitiveness between the brothers.

It's been a long road from starring in Sweden as teenagers to becoming the franchise's two leading scorers. The Sedins were drafted 2nd and 3rd overall, thanks to some shrewd dealing by former Canucks GM Brian Burke at the 1999 NHL entry draft. When they finally joined the Canucks for the 2000-01 season, the warm reception they received by the fans began to cool as they struggled during their first three years. They were productive, but not nearly the superstars that the people in the city were hoping for. It was a difficult time for the Sedins, they were abused by opponents, maligned by the media, insulted by opposing fan bases, and struggling with the size and speed of the North American game. Some were wondering if they were going to be nothing more than a novelty.

Then came the 2005 lockout and a return to their old Swedish club, Modo. In Sweden, away from the spotlight and pressure of Vancouver, the Sedins were able to refine their offensive game and returned the following year with a new confidence, a dedication to fitness, and a commitment to becoming the best players they could possibly be. 

In short order, the Sedins shot up the scoring charts. Henrik has not scored less than 75 points in a season since then, captured the Hart and the Art Ross trophies in 2010 thanks to a massive 112 point season, and has led the league in assists for three consecutive years. Daniel has been no slouch either, scoring at least 67 points each season since the lockout, including a fantastic 41 goal, 104 point 2010-11 season in which he matched Henrik's Art Ross and added the Lester B. Pearson trophy as well. During this time they achieved many team accolades too, helping Sweden win Olympic goal in 2006, leading the Canucks to five straight Northwest division titles, and coming within one game of a Stanley Cup championship in 2011. 

Not bad for a couple of boys from Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, a town now famous for producing NHL talent including the Sedins, Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund and Victor Hedman. They went from being an easy target of ridicule because of how small and unadjusted they were to the North American game, to two of the toughest players in the NHL. And I don't mean toughness in a traditional sense, but rather mental toughness. Game after game they get pushed down, facing the opponent's strongest defensemen and best checking forwards, yet they continue to break through and put up great offensive numbers. Henrik's 599 consecutive games played is a testament to the beating they can take while continuing to give opponents everything they can handle.

But for all they do on the ice, it's some their accomplishments off the ice that have endeared them to the fans. Aside from being leaders in the Canucks' dressing room, they have also become community leaders of their adopted hometown, Vancouver. Both Daniel and Henrik, along with their families, are involved with many charities and community projects. Last year, without any fan fare or announcement, as is to be expected of these two humble men, they gave more than a million dollars to a local children's hospital.

Such is the nature of these soft-spoken brothers. Small on words but big on heart, they have evolved into the quietest superstars in the NHL. Now that they've captured multiple franchise records and pieces of hardware, the only thing left to accomplish is to bring the Stanley Cup to Vancouver. Whether they can do that or not, time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Sedins have become local heroes and one day their numbers 22 and 33 will hang in Rogers Arena, as two of the greatest Canucks ever. 

Snap Shots: 

• Last night, in a hugely entertaining game, the Washington Capitals defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-3, clinching a playoff spot, capturing their 7th Southeast division title, and dealing a death blow to Winnipeg's post-season hopes all at the same time. 
• So it looks like the top 8 in the East is all but set. In order for the Jets to make the playoffs they must win their remaining game against Montreal and hope that both the Sens and Rangers aren't able to pick up two points in their remaining games. It seems pretty hopeless right now in Winnipeg.
• However the Western conference is far from set. Dallas lost last night so it looks like they may be out of it, and Minnesota won which gives them a bit of breathing room. However the battle for 8th between Detroit and Columbus looks like it'll go right down to the bitter end. Detroit still holds a game in hand and controls their own destiny should they be able to win out the season.
• Thanks for reading everybody! As always your comments are welcome and please share if you like the content here at WAAP. Check out this gif that shows just how close the Jets were to the playoffs against the Caps last night: