An MVP Statement by Canucks' Henrik Sedin

I waited today until all the scores were in to write this article, and I’m so glad I did.

Sometimes, you are lucky enough to witness history, and I was very fortunate to have been there at the right time.

As I chose my games before the season began, I looked at Game No. 82 between the Flames and Canucks as a possible deciding game for the Northwest Division title.

We all know that the game was not a deciding factor, but what took place was huge.

Not in my wildest dreams would I have imagined Henrik Sedin to be in the running for the Art Ross Trophy, which goes to the player that has scored the most points, or the Hart Trophy for league MVP.

Heading into Saturday night's game, Henrik Sedin was one point behind Alexander Ovechkin with one game remaining.

Henrik finished the game by helping Brother Daniel, who scored a hat trick and posted an assist himself, with four points on four assists and a chorus of “MVP, MVP” was a constant chant from the crowd throughout the game.

This leap-frogged Henrik over Ovechkin by three points, with Ovie having the final game to collect three points.

We now know that Ovie did not get those three points, and Henrik not only won the scoring title but made history as the only Canuck player ever to reach 112 points and to win the Art Ross Trophy.

Not just his 112 points or the fact that the Canucks won the Northwest divisional title does an MVP make him, but what he did throughout the season along with that, does.

When his brother Daniel went down with an injury, which kept him out for 19 games, Henrik simply put the team on his back, stepped up to the plate and became the leader not only in the points department but also on the ice.

Many thought that without Daniel, Henrik would be lost and falter, but instead, Henrik became not only a playmaker, but blossomed into a goal scorer (29).

This would be a time when Henrik elevated his game, no matter who his linemates were, and by doing so, allowed the Nucks to stay in the race.

When Daniel returned, Henrik carried on with his torrid scoring pace, he and Daniel and Alex Burrows became the hottest line in hockey.

Except for a brief period during the first long road trip before the Olympics, Henrik just kept ticking like the Energizer bunny.

These three players made magic, with sublime Seeing Eye passes, controlled the puck like it was on a string and continued to pile up the points as the opposition tried their best to shut them down.

All three players along with Mikael Samuelsson, who also played with the Sedins, had career years.

Henrik Sedin made everyone around him better, played with courage and conviction, carried the team through the tough times and is most deservedly, worthy of what the Hart Trophy stands for.

The player adjudge most valuable to his team.