VANCOUVER — Endless class and mind-bending goals — that's what Vancouver Canucks fans say they love and will miss the most about Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
It couldn't have been scripted any better.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin said goodbye to the hometown crowd with a farewell straight out of a movie.
Daniel scored the winning goal in overtime, off an assist from twin brother Henrik as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-3 Thursday night. It was the Sedins' final NHL game at Rogers Arena and a step back in time for the crowd of 18,865 who had one more taste of the elegance and skill the brothers brought to the sport.
A blurry-eyed Daniel tried to describe his feelings when he saw the puck go into the net.
“Relief,” he said. “I was happy. You couldn't dream of a better ending in this building, the last time we stepped on this ice.
“It was emotional.”
#ThankYouSedins,
— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2018
Signed, everyone in the hockey universe. pic.twitter.com/SL8tbMAzT3
For Henrik, the Canucks' captain and franchise leader in points, it was a perfect ending to an emotional week.
“When I woke up this morning I knew it was going to be a big day,” said the older brother by six minutes. “We tried to enjoy every minute of it.”
Daniel finished the night with two goals. Henrik also assisted on his first goal in the second period which tied the game 1-1.
The 37-year-old twins from Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, announced Monday they are retiring after playing 17 seasons with the Canucks. Drafted second and third overall in 1999, their final game will be Saturday in Edmonton against the Oilers.
That was a night I will always remember. So awesome to see the twins get the send off they deserved!#ThankYouSedins
— Brendan Gaunce (@BrendanGaunce16) April 6, 2018
The boisterous crowd at Rogers Arena was on its feet for most of the third period and the overtime. Between standings ovations there were chants of “Go Sedins Go” and “Hall of Fame.”
The anticipation ratcheted up even higher when the Sedins went over the boards after Arizona's Richard Panik was called for hooking at 1:16 of overtime. The goal came when Henrik passed back to Daniel, who blasted a shot from the blue line.
The Canucks came off the bench to mob the brothers. Hats littered the ice. Coyote players banged their sticks in recognition.
After the celebration Daniel and Henrik slowly skated around the arena, waving and clapping to the fans.
Defenceman Alex Edler said it was the kind of finish the Canucks wanted for their teammates.
“It was special for sure,” said Edler, who also assisted on both of Daniel's goals. “We talked before the game it as going to be loud. We just fed off that.
The @Canucks couldn’t have asked for a better night for the Sedin's last home game. #ThankYouSedins pic.twitter.com/qMdHfd7ODb
— #NHL18 (@EASPORTSNHL) April 6, 2018
“The twins had a great game. They were on fire. It was a perfect ending.”
The first goal was a throwback to the Sedins' early years.
The play began with Henrik making a move along the boards, then dishing the puck to Edler, who was streaking toward the goal. He passed to Daniel, who shot into an open net.
Both Sedins had season-highs of ice time. Henrik logged 21 minutes 36 seconds. Daniel was on for 21:12 and had 10 shots on goal.
Winning the game was just the icing on the cake. Sending the fans home buzzing about a last magical performance was the real victory for the Sedins.
“It means something,” said Henrik. “The way the crowd showed up, right from the warmup.
Daniel from Henrik.
— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2018
Could there be a more fitting finale? #ThankYouSedins pic.twitter.com/iLLJ089ti9
“To finish off like we did, they can walk away and remember this. If you lose the game 5-1, it's not fun. It's a better feeling for us.”
Christian Fischer, Derek Stepan and Dylan Strome scored for Arizona (29-40-12). Jake Virtanen and Brendan Leipsic got the other goals for the Canucks (31-40-10). Both teams will miss the playoffs.
With Vancouver struggling in the standings Rogers Arena has often been a quite building with plenty of empty seats this season. The Sedins' finale produced the energy and enthusiasm of a playoff game.
Daniel from Henrik. Magic. @EASPORTSNHL pic.twitter.com/3XbGeozErO
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 6, 2018
Even in the warmups fans lined the boards waving signs and snapping pictures on cell phones. One woman held up a sign which lit up with the words “Congrats Henrik and Daniel."
The first standing ovation came when the Sedins skated out for the national anthems. During the game there were loud cheers each time the Sedins stepped on the ice, anticipation whenever they touched the puck.
The fans almost got their wish 18 seconds into the game when Henrik hit the post.
We want to say thank you to every #Canucks fan. Last night was special, and you made it that way.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 6, 2018
👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/GswqPexpfT
The standing ovations continued after most whistles during the third period. Daniel and Henrik acknowledged with waves.
Prior to the game there was a video tribute. Past Canuck players and coaches talked about the Sedins' history, their contributions on the ice and their work in the community. A tribute mural wall was installed outside the arena for fans to write messages. The lights outside Rogers Arena and in many city buildings glowed Swedish blue and yellow in tribute.
During the game some fans chanted “one more year.” Daniel was asked if there was any chance the brothers would reconsider their retirement.
“No, not at all,” he said. “I saw our kids up on the Jumbotron (during the game). That made me happy. We will spend more time with them.”
Some stories write themselves. What an incredible night for the Sedins, who combined for an OT game-winner by Daniel for the 14th and final time. #ThankYouSedins pic.twitter.com/nupZdtFLwt
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) April 6, 2018
VANCOUVER HOCKEY FANS BID FOND FAREWELLS TO RETIRING SEDIN TWINS
As the 37-year-old twin brothers prepared to take the ice in their final home game on Thursday, fans gathered outside Rogers Arena, many dressed in blue Canucks jerseys emblazoned with the Sedins' numbers, 22 and 33.
Some spoke animatedly about their favourite goals, while others talked about meeting the brothers through their tireless work in the community.
DANIEL SEDIN! IN OT! #ThankYouSedins pic.twitter.com/FYPP5ofTAn
— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2018
Martin Ogley, 61, has been a Canucks fan since the team entered the league in 1970.
The team has a number of bright young stars coming up, but watching the Sedins play in Vancouver for the last time will be emotional, Ogley said before the game.
There's something special about the Swedish brothers, he added.
The Hockey Gods at work.
— Bar South N Celly™ (@BarSouthNCelly) April 6, 2018
Last night Daniel Sedin scored his 22nd goal of the season, 33 seconds into the 2nd period, with an assist coming from Henrik Sedin.
Then Daniel Sedin scored the GWG *22:33 min into the 3rd period, assisted by Henrik Sedin! pic.twitter.com/7GDNibf0HF
"Everybody says they have an aura about them, they're just down to earth," said Ogley, who met Henrik Sedin at an amusement park last September. "He's quite a bit taller than he looks on TV."
Vincent Kwong, 21, bought tickets last December to the game, just in case it turned out to be the twins' last appearance.
The Sedins have been huge role models in the community, he said, and they've taken fans on an emotional roller-coaster over the years.
"There are so many memories in the 2011 (Stanley Cup) run," Kwong said. "It was just so close. I know they were probably so devastated, so hopefully we can show them some love today."
Ameena Althullah has been watching the Sedins play since she was little and the 23-year-old still remembers watching Daniel Sedin score an unbelievable goal against the Calgary Flames in 2010, a point that earned him a hat trick.
Goal No.392 for Daniel Sedin, in all its gloriousness. #ThankYouSedins pic.twitter.com/R8FyA8X8TZ
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 6, 2018
"That beautiful goal, in between the legs. Can't forget it," she said.
Althullah said the game would be emotional for her.
"They mean a lot to me," she said. "I'll miss them a lot."
The Sedins' last game was a family affair for Susan Young, who brought her three daughters. The girls made signs thanking the brothers for their time with the Canucks.
"I feel like it's a privilege to have ever watched them play here," Young said. "It was a privilege that they came to Vancouver and we could watch such talent. It was just crazy ... They just have this uncanny ability to play like no other."
Every goal the brothers scored was special, said 10-year-old Anna Young. She expected to be in tears by the end of the game.
"I'm going to be like 'I can't believe it's their last game!' I thought they were going to play forever and ever and ever."
Hockey has been a passion for Jess Succamore since 1952. He watched his first game three weeks after arriving in Canada from England.
"I fell in love with the game, " he said. "Can't stand up on ice skates, but really appreciate good talent. And the twins are the best, as far as I'm concerned."
