CBC-Sports

Henrik deserves respect

January 19, 2010 12:14 PM | Posted by   Craig Simpson  

On another Hockey Night in Canada Saturday, the defending Stanley Cup champs and their captain Sidney Crosby created a media frenzy throughout the Olympic city of Vancouver.

While Crosby and company may have been the centre of attention, causing the biggest buzz from the media and hockey fans alike, it was the Canucks and their leader Henrik Sedin who ruled the night.

With a goal and two assists, it was Henrik Sedin who stole the spotlight from Crosby, and put his stamp on what has been a superstar season for the soft-spoken Swede.

An early Hart Trophy candidate

For years now, Henrik and twin brother Daniel have been very good players and by far the most productive Canucks, but until this season, they have yet to be recognized as superstar players league-wide. This season however, there is no disputing the fact that the Sedins are all that and more, and Henrik in particular, is well on his way to having a Hart Trophy worthy season.

It’s not unusual for much of the media attention to focus on the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Crosby (both are worthy recipients). Henrik Sedin, in this his ninth NHL season often flies under the radar. Maybe it’s the fact that he plays on the West Coast, or maybe it’s his quiet demeanour, but rarely does he get the respect that his play on the ice deserves.

Henrik Sedin has been one of the NHL’s most productive and consistent performers. He has averaged 78 points per season his last four years, and this year, he sits as the NHL’s leading scorer with 67 points in just 48 games. On a nightly basis, he has been the Canucks best player and has given his team a chance to win.

Success without sidekick

When Daniel went down with injury just four games into the season, many critics felt Henrik’s game would suffer. Instead, it flourished. In the 18 games that Daniel missed, Henrik, the traditional playmaker, became a goal scorer with 10 goals and 18 points, proving he could succeed on his own. Once Daniel returned to action, the tandem has taken their game to another level.

In the 26 games since they’ve been reunited, Henrik has been dominant, with eight goals and 41 points. Daniel has 12 goals and 35 points to follow suit. If consistency is the hallmark of great players, then Henrik and Daniel are as good as it gets. They have been automatic offence for the Canucks, with Henrik having points in 37 of 48 games (77.1 per cent) and Daniel with 23 of 30 (76.7). Without the Sedins and linemate Alex Burrows (11 goals in last seven games), the Canucks would be hard pressed to be challenging for the Division lead.

Henrik Sedin may not have the flamboyant character and pizzazz of Ovechkin or the tenacity and intensity of Crosby, but on a nightly basis he has shown the consistency and professionalism of a true superstar.

With the confidence he has displayed this year, winning the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer and being a Hart Trophy candidate will hopefully earn Henrik Sedin the respect he deserves.

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