Recap: Henrik Sedin Reaches 1,000 as Canucks Beat Panthers

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In a game that provided the perfect stage for a dramatic and memorable performance from Vancouver Canucks captain Henrik Sedin, he delivered.

Henrik welcomed former teammate Roberto Luongo and his Panthers to Vancouver in a close fought and entertaining victory for the home team. Sitting at 999 career NHL points, all in a Canucks uniform, the spotlight shone brightly on Henrik throughout the evening. Whenever he touched the puck, the crowd cheered in anticipation of him reaching the personal milestone of 1000 career points.

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Both Luongo and Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller had stellar games, but it was Miller who took home the win, turning aside 34 of 35 shots against.

First Period

The Canucks pushed the pace for much of the opening period and outshot the Panthers 11-6. The Canucks looked good, but their former goaltender looked even better. Luongo was sharp and made a particularly impressive save by sprawling across the crease the rob Loui Eriksson with the glove. The highlight reel glove save even earned the Canucks great a heartfelt “Lou” cheer from the Vancouver crowd.

 

Miller, the less busy of the two net minders in the first period, looked in control when pressed into action.

A Nikita Tryamkin point shot blast sailed past the net and appeared to hit leading Canucks scorer Bo Horvat in the back of the head. After a stoppage and a quick assessment from the medical staff, Horvat left the ice under his own power but would return early in the game’s second period.

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Second Period

Less than two minutes into the second frame Alex Burrows took a hooking call on Jonathan Marchessault,. The resulting powerplay led to a Jaromir Jagr goal set up by former Canuck Jared McCann.

But the Canucks didn’t stay behind for long and it was their captain who gave the crowd just what they had been waiting for less than two minutes later.

In alone on a partial breakaway off a nifty feed from his brother Daniel, Henrik Sedin made move to the backhand and tucked the puck past Luongo for his 1,000th career NHL point.

Henrik’s teammates poured off the bench to celebrate. Even Luongo got into the festivities himself, as the Canucks captain and its former captain exchanged a high five and a playful face wash.

The television commercial break following Henrik’s goal was omitted in favor of a career tribute video honoring Henrik’s achievement.

Third Period

Less than 4 minutes into the final frame Canucks defencemen Lucas Sbisa gave his team the lead with a rare point shot snipe. He corralled a rebound off Luongo and roofed the puck before the Panthers goaltender could react. The goal, just Sbisa’s second of the season, seemed to give the crowd and the home team a further boost of energy.

Shortly after, forward Brandon Sutter made a power move through the center of the ice only to ring his shot off the post and into the corner. The Canucks fed of the crowd’s energy for the balance of the third period and managed to hold off the Panthers, thanks in large part to the play of Ryan Miller. He was solid when called upon and gave the team enough confidence to play an aggressive closing period. In the end, it was just enough for the Canucks to earn a victory on a historic night for the team’s captain.

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Scoring Summary

First Period

No Scoring.

Second Period

Jaromir Jagr (9) assisted by Jared McCann (6), and Jonathan Marchessault (16)

Henrik Sedin (11) assisted by Daniel Sedin (15) and Alexander Edler (8)

Third Period

Luca Sbisa (2) unassisted

THW Three Stars

1) Henrik Sedin (1000th career NHL point)
2) Ryan Miller (34 saves)
3) Luca Sbisa (GWG)

Next Up

Vancouver Canucks at Chicago Blackhawks

United Center, 4:30 PM PST on Sunday, Jan 22.
Broadcast Channels: SN, NHLN-US, WGN

Next Up

Florida Panthers at Arizona Coyotes

Gila River Arena, 9:00 PM PST on Monday, Jan 23.
Broadcast Channels: FS-A, FS-F