HockeyGive the Sedins the respect they deserve

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Will Daniel and Henrik Sedin ever receive the respect they deserve? They have been called the Sedin sisters on occasion and I'm sure a few other 'nicknames' too, but let's face it, they are both true superstars in the NHL.

Like Steve Yzerman, who was so often criticized as a player and leader until he won the Stanley Cup, the Sedin twins will probably feel the same wrath until they and their Vancouver Canucks bring home Lord Stanley.

At 29, they are still in their prime and based on their statistics this year, even though both players have played a shortened season due to injury, they have to be put into that elite category of players in the league.

Linemates benefit

Just look at their winger Alex Burrows and what he has been able to accomplish over the past two seasons. The undrafted player, who no question can never have his work ethic questioned, has been putting up career numbers. Last season it was 28 goals, which no one thought he would be able to duplicate this season, but sure enough he has 33 already. All while playing alongside the Sedins.

Don't forget Taylor Pyatt, the native of Thunder Bay, Ont., who is now with the Phoenix Coyotes. He also put up his best NHL numbers playing alongside the Sedins. His 37 points in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons were predominately achieved alongside the Sedins.

And then there's Anson Carter who had some terrific seasons playing in Edmonton, but of the eight NHL teams that he played on, it was in Vancouver playing alongside the Sedins where he achieved his career high in goals with 33. At that time, the trio was also considered the Canucks' second line. Too bad he only played one season in Vancouver due to a contract dispute.

Cup is the measure

But it hasn't just been the points that the Sedins have been putting up. Their physical play also seems to have gone to another level. The way they cycle and take punishment down low in the offensive zone was something we didn't really say was one of their strengths earlier in their career.

Henrik continues to battle Alexander Ovechkin for league lead in points, but still no respect. Daniel makes passes that no one else seems to see coming, yet still no respect.

Yes, I guess they and the Vancouver Canucks will have to win the Stanley Cup to get respect!

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