By Joel Smart (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: March 28, 2012
As most British Columbians are already aware, Daniel Sedin received a dangerous elbow to the head in the March 21 game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He left the game with what is now known to be a concussion. The words should (and do) strike fear into the hearts of Canucks fans who are hoping for better results in this year’s playoffs. As most pessimists would agree, the team was simply too healthy for too long, so a head injury to the team’s leading scorer was almost a sure thing. While Sedin could return in just a few games, and be no worse for wear in a best-case scenario, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what kind of chances the team has if he’s out long-term.
If the Canucks were to enter the playoffs without Daniel Sedin on the roster, it would likely lead coach Alain Vigneault to accelerate his plan to make the Canucks both tougher and more defensively-focused than in last-year’s playoffs. We’ve already seen that the team has begun to engage with the opposition after whistles in the few games since Daniel has been absent. Though they seem to be penalized for it more than usual, it’s heartening to see teammates standing up for each other. The physical play also seems to increase the team’s desire to win, as they become more engaged in the game. However, sometimes it really costs the Canucks; as great as it is to see the Canucks mixing it up, a two-minute penalty to kill when the game is on the line is too dangerous – especially if it’s just for a glorified face-wash. As well, due to a serious hatred by many NHL referees, Alex Burrows seems to be the first to go to the box – a serious detriment considering he is also one of the most likely to score a goal at an important moment in a game. If business needs to be taken care of, it should be players like Dale Weise and Zack Kassian stepping up to administer justice – considering we acquired them this season for primarily that purpose. Though they have answered the bell a few times, they have a lot more to prove.
As for the defensive side of things, it just follows basic logic. With Sedin out, the Canucks will have to make up for his lack of production by shutting the door in their own end. Unfortunately, that is often easier said than done. The Canucks have shown, though, that they are willing to clog up the neutral zone and frustrate their opponents, even if they’ve only got a one-goal lead – and they can be quite effective at it. However, sometimes the Canucks defence can get quite out of sync, making it a risky strategy to rely on for the entire playoff run.
Though the injury seems to have sparked the Canucks, at least in the short-term, it does not bode well for the team if Daniel can’t make a quick recovery. They heavily rely on his firepower. Though Henrik came alive offensively last time his brother was injured—going on to win the Art Ross that year—it might be a little much to expect the same to happen again. That said, I wouldn’t count the Canucks out. Just like Mason Raymond, coming alive just when things seemed bleakest, the team has what it takes to build off of adversity, especially if some secondary players can begin to take on some additional responsibilities.
The Canucks face the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, continuing a five-game homestand, which also includes a battle against the Dallas Stars on Friday, a Hockey Night in Canada duel with the Calgary Flames on Saturday, and a bout next Tuesday with the Anaheim Ducks. All four games start at 7 p.m. The Canucks would be extremely fortunate to see Daniel Sedin back in the lineup by then.
