Sisters to men

I’m sure it wasn’t quite like the Canucks Tweetup at the Shark Club, but it was a good time nonetheless. The pub here at the resort put up last night’s game on both of their big screens and Tracy and I watched the game with fellow Canucks fans from Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria. There was also a couple from St. Louis. We were 5,300 kms from home, but while the game was on, it felt very much like home.

I was talking to a guy from the Island earlier in the week and he was very critical of the Euros – specifically the Sedins and Sundin – we have up front. Last night, he at least laid off the Sedins.

There were many reasons the Canucks won game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal against the St. Louis Blues. Roberto Luongo was spectacular and the defense and the team’s role players were very good. The Sedins’ play? It was eye-opening.

For years the Sedins have dealt with their unfair share of criticism and lack of respect. In case their excellent play over the last couple of months of the regular season didn’t quiet their critics, their performance last night may well have.

Quite simply, the Sedins were great. They were dangerous all night and were responsible for both Canucks goals. More important than the results though was the process. They played through checks and finished hits. They didn’t shy away from the physical play, and in fact, seemed to thrive on it. In front of our very own eyes, Henrik and Daniel grew from sisters to men.

I know it’s a cliche, but like every other team that goes on a successful Stanley Cup run, the Canucks need their best players to be their best players. Last night, they got that. 1 win down, only 15 more to go.