Can the Sedins frustrate the Oilers one last time?
So, what will Henrik and Daniel Sedin do for an encore after Thursday’s incredible storybook-finish at Rogers Arena?
Yes, that’s right, the twins have one final NHL game remaining before their retirement party officially starts. It would take a miracle to match the electric atmosphere and Hollywood-like drama of Thursday ’s 4-3 overtime victory at Rogers Arena, but it will be interesting to see what the good folks with Hockey Night in Canada have to say about No. 22 and No. 33 as they take a final bow at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
It will also be interesting to hear what broadcasters have to say about the Oilers missing the playoffs with all that talent. If Daniel Sedin can earn a point tonight he’ll finish the season as the Canucks’ top point-getter. He and the injured Brock Boeser both have 55 points, while Henrik has 50.
THE BIG MATCHUP
THE SEDINS VS. EDMONTON
There isn’t a city that has been more enjoyable for the Sedins to play in than Edmonton. There is no NHL team they’ve dominated quite like the Oilers. If their grand finale wasn’t going to be in Vancouver, this is the next-best place to finish the show.
It has kind of been their second home. It won’t be as emotional as the penultimate game to their career, but it is still meaningful. This is expected to be the final time the Sedins ever play in the NHL.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME 1. The Sedin time on ice
Vancouver head coach Travis Green played them more than 21 minutes each against Arizona on Thursday. They made him look good with a dominating performance against the stubborn Coyotes.
It became clear in the home finale that the Sedins still have another gear in their game. And the more ice time Green gave them, the better they got.
2. The power play
The thrilling home curtaincloser was won on the power play. It’s one area in particular where the Sedins actually got better this season than in years past.
The current lineup is an odd one with Brock Boeser out of the lineup. Sam Gagner, whose shot is fairly weak, has replaced Boeser as the right-shot triggerman expected to score goals. Somehow, it has continued to work.
3. Leipsic’s dangle
Lost in all the nostalgia Thursday was the goal that Brendan Leipsic scored. It was the play of the night and instantly became one of the best goals of the season. Leipsic essentially passed to himself before executing a perfect spin-o-rama, sliding the puck into the net with his backhand.
The Sedins are going to need help to close out the season and their careers with a win. That starts with Leipsic.
4. Virtanen’s development
He scored against the Coyotes with a wicked wrist shot off of a faceoff and it may have been among his least impressive plays of the game. Again, Jake Virtanen’s speed was impactful. He created a breakaway by smoking past defenders.
He didn’t score when he went five-hole, but he showed enough power and speed to set up this last game with some expectations of big things.
5. The Canucks’ defence
It won’t get the run it deserves because the crowd had other things on their mind Thursday, like thanking the Sedin twins. But defensively the Canucks’ third period was their best 20-minute stretch of the entire season.
Vancouver outshot the Coyotes 15-0 in that final frame. Let’s be honest, they weren’t facing Connor McDavid. They are now.