Penticton Herald

Sedins set for home finale

- By The Canadian Press

Swan song for Swedish twins as Canucks host Coyotes

VANCOUVER — It’s a game that means nothing in the standings but will have the emotional pull of a Stanley Cup Final.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin will dress for their final game at Rogers Arena when the Vancouver Canucks play the Arizona Coyotes tonight.

Vancouver and Arizona both failed to qualify for the NHL playoffs, but a boisterous, sold-out crowd is expected to attend the game to say goodbye to the Swedish twins after 17 seasons wearing a Canuck jersey.

“I think that’s when you realize you’re probably taking your last steps on the ice,” Daniel said following Wednesday’s practice. “It will be special.”

The 37-year-old brothers from Ornskoldsv­ik, Sweden, announced Monday they are retiring at the end of the season. Their final game will be Saturday in Edmonton against the Oilers.

The Sedins’ parents and two brothers will attend tonight’s game. Team officials say there will be video tributes but no official presentati­on. That will wait until the brothers have their numbers officially retired.

Upper bowl tickets for the game were selling for between US$165 and $175 Wednesday on StubHub.

“It’s not something we are looking for,” Daniel said about the final home game. “It’s a chance to thank our fans.

“It will be over before you know it. We’re going to enjoy it, treat it as a normal game.”

The Sedins got a taste of what to expect during Tuesday night’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Prior to the game fans lined the boards, waving signs thanking the Sedins and holding jerseys. There were video tributes on the big screen. The crowd gave standing ovations before, during and after the game.

Centre Bo Horvat, who many expect to replace Henrik as the Canucks’ captain next year, said everyone felt the emotion.

“It’s the end of an era,” said Horvat. “It’s the end of an amazing career for those guys.

“To be part of it is really special for me.”

Head coach Travis Green said the Sedins were “old school” in their profession­al approach to the game both on and off the ice.

“They have been a joy to coach, something I will cherish,” said Green.

Horvat will miss the attitude that the ST. LOUIS — Duncan Keith scored a brothers brought to the rink each day. power-play goal with 8.5 seconds left and

“Watching them play is one thing, but the Chicago Blackhawks beat St. Louis (it’s) them being around the room,” he 4-3 on Wednesday night to hurt the Blues’ said. “They are always happy playoff hopes. to be here. I’ve never seen them Andreas Martinsen, Blake have a bad day or not have a Hillman and Alex DeBrincat smile on their faces. also scored, and Jean-Francois

“That’s what I’m going to miss Berube made 30 saves. The most.” Blackhawks beat the Blues for

The Sedins have become the the first time in three meetings face of the Canucks since being this season. drafted second and third overall Vladimir Tarasenko and in 1997. Brayden Schenn each had a

Even as they lost a step on the Keith goal and an assist for the Blues. ice, they were respected for their community They have lost four straight to fall a point work and easy relationsh­ip with the behind idle Colorado for the second wildcard media. spot in the Western Conference.

Back in 2010 the brothers donated $1.5 million to help build a new BC Children’s Hospital. They also establishe­d the Sedin Family Foundation, which works to improve health, education and family wellness in B.C.

With the Canucks struggling on the ice this season — Vancouver is ranked 27th in the league with a 30-40-10 record — there have been plenty of vacant seats at Rogers Arena and the building has often been low energy.

However, the excitement and enthusiasm generated against Vegas were reminders of a time when the Sedins led a Canuck team that won back-to-back Presidents Trophies and lost Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final to the Boston Bruins.

“It was fun,” Henrik said of the passion in the building. “It was like going back six or seven years.

“It was good to get a game where the crowd was really into it like they were.”

BLACKHAWKS 4, BLUES 3

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The Canadian Press Vancouver Canucks forwards Henrik, left, and Daniel Sedin wave to the crowd during a standing ovation on Tuesday night duringthir­d-periodNHLa­ctionagain­sttheVegas­GoldenKnig­htsatRoger­sArenainVa­ncouver.TheSedintw­insannounc­ed on Monday that they will...
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