On the ice, Henrik and Daniel Sedin performed “Sedinery”. High-skill passing and cycling. The telepathic way the twins thought on the ice. Now, as Co-President of Hockey Operations of the Vancouver Canucks, they are attempting “Sedinery” off the ice.
Not that their 22-minute media availability was a masterclass. But I would describe it as refreshing. This wasn’t an exclusive with a reporter. There wasn’t a bombshell announcement. This was the Sedins showing something that, quite frankly, the previous regimes did not. Respect for the Canucks fan base.
“We talked from Day One about being open and transparent with our fans and the media,” Daniel said. “And that’s why we are here today.”
“Could we have retooled and sold the fans on making the playoffs but still be on the outside looking in?” Henrik asked. “Yes. But we want to be in the playoffs continuously.
Like a cycle play, Henrik and Daniel hand off the speech to each other.
“We knew when we got into this that it would be hard and challenging. Daniel continued, “And we wouldn’t want it any other way. Building consistency and day-to-day performance is going to take time..That said, we certainly aren’t happy with our results. And nobody should be. We all understand we need to be better. That starts with holding us accountable, and continuing to find ways to improve.”
Back to Henrik, who sees some encouraging moments.
“… Parts of our game are getting better. Players are taking steps. But we are struggling to put these things together consistently. We need to find a way to sustain our game, and our positive things become a regular thing in our game.”
Daniel continues down the consistent path.
“RJ (Ryan Johnson) is looking at our game every day. Recognizing areas where we can improve and finding ways we can become more consistent.”
If you are looking for a blockbuster move, Daniel has bad news for you.
“It’s not about making wholesale changes. Or losing sight of what we are trying to build. It’s about continuing to get better at details, trusting the process, and making sure we are taking steps forward.”
If you are looking for a coaching change, more band news from Daniel.
“We have confidence in the coaching staff. We have confidence in this group of players. And we believe in what we are working towards.
Henrik has a message to the fans.
“We understand your expectations and frustrations. And we are right there with you. To feel the support from the fans in this building makes us want to work harder to turn this around. We want to be transparent as to where we are. But we also want people to understand that we are not accepting where things stand. There is a lot of work being done. There is a lot of belief in this group, and we are focused on moving in the right direction. We are a quarter of the way through the season and just started the rebuild. We are working hard to make a change.”
My takeaways
-I’ve lived in Vancouver for over ten years. I don’t recall the word transparency being used before the Sedins were in charge. But it was a word that has been used a lot during this conversation. There seems to be an acknowledgment of the fans, not only in Vancouver, but in B.C.After a few years of what I would call a terse relationship with the fan base, it’s refreshing to see a step towards respect. This Canucks fan base is passionate, loyal, and knowledgeable. They will not be fooled. Good on the Sedins and this organization.
-The Sedins spent a good chunk of time talking about how hard it is to not only win, but learn how to.win, not only for the younger players, but the veterans as well. As we are using the word rebuild so much here, I had to remind myself that there have not been a lot of playoff series wins in the last ten years. Veterans on this team need to also learn how to win. I loved that the Sedns spent time talking about details, fifty/fifty battles, making the right play at the right time. The “risk/reward” of shaving the puck. Those are the ways you win. Doing the hard things. And it has to be everyone.
This may be a little thing for you. But this was bigger for me. Previous regimes, cough cough Rick Tocchet, threw players under the bus. Good on the Sedins for not pointing fingers, not singling out players, good or bad. Acknowledging that everyone is doing their best to come in and work their way through this.
The most “Sedinery” thing they did today is not create drama and noise. They came in for a conversation. It won’t calm the waters. But it will allow everyone to breathe.
Demko and practice facility update.
You can’t have a media availability without a question about Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko and a question about the practice facility.
Demko-Henrik said no real timeline. He’s here. He’s rehabbing. He’s in a good mood and getting better.
Practice Facility: Henrik said-Looking at options and getting very close.
Speaking of practice……
You may notice a couple of returning and new names practicing with the Canucks.
Filip Chytil-He’s missed five games with an injury. He’s expected to play against his former team, the New York Rangers on Friday. If he plays, it will be his first time playing against his former team.
Tom Willander-He’s missed four games with an injury. He’s been paired with EP25 at practice.
And a new face, Cameron Crotty. The 27-year-old right-shot defenceman was claimed on waivers on Wednesday. He will wear number 51. He is paired with Jamie Oleksiak. Expect him to make his Canuck debut on Friday. While he was claimed from the Wild, Crotty played three games with the Ottawa Senators this season.
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