Henrik Sedin hopeful despite struggles with Vancouver

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001

By Lucas Aykroyd

“Sensational,” “slick,” and “savvy” are terms often applied to the Sedin twins. However, in recent weeks, “struggling,” “slowing down,” and “searching for answers” have been bandied about. Fortunately, Vancouver’s heralded Swedish rookie duo hasn’t been expected to do all the scoring, as they might on an expansion team. Daniel’s absence from the lineup with a shoulder strain from 30 November to 6 December brought him face-to-face with the reality of having to come back quickly from injuries in the NHL. And Henrik got to try out a variety of linemates during that stretch, posting one assist against Edmonton on 2 December. Averaging about 14 minutes of ice time per game, Henrik, 20, is learning that while the accuracy of his passes is remarkable, sometimes he needs to move the puck more quickly than he may have while starring for MoDo on the big European ice surface. His best game this year was against Toronto in mid-October, as he recorded a goal and an assist and was named the first star in a 5-2 win. The 6-2, 200-pound center from Ornskoldsvik sat down to chat with EuroReport at the end of December.

EuroReport: You’ve had a tough run in terms of goal scoring lately, with just one in more than 20 games. How have you dealt with it?

Henrik Sedin: Well, as long the team is winning, you don’t think about it a lot. But if the team is struggling, then you start to think about it. We need one goal, and then I think we’re going to get a lot more.

EuroReport: Do you think defensemen are paying more physical attention to you as the season wears on?

Sedin: No, I don’t think so. We’ve got to get some easy goals just to get the confidence back, maybe.

EuroReport: What’s the difference between taking faceoffs in the NHL and in Sweden?

Sedin: It’s a little bit different. The players, of course, are much stronger over here, so it’s been tough, but I’ve tried to get better and better. Hopefully I will. It’s not so much strength. It’s really more about technique.

EuroReport: On December 23 in Colorado, what did you think when Markus Naslund tried to punch out Peter Forsberg near the end of the first period?

Sedin: Well, they’re good friends and they like each other off the ice. Everybody was laughing about it!

EuroReport: Last year around this time, you led the World Junior Championships in scoring with 13 points. How do you look back on that experience?

Sedin: We played at three World Juniors and it was a great time, to be able to play in those tournaments. It’s one of the most fun events you can play in, along with the best players from your country.

EuroReport: How did you spend your holidays this year?

Sedin: With our family. Our mother and father and brothers came over, so it was great.

EuroReport: Either you or your brother was spotted in the food section in IKEA recently. What do you guys go shopping for there?

Sedin: Swedish meatballs!

EuroReport: When Pavel Bure played here, he used to complain about girls screaming outside his apartment window in the middle of the night. Has this been a problem?

Sedin: No, not at all. The people are really nice to us, so it’s been great so far.

EuroReport: On a more serious note, what will be the key to success for this Vancouver team in the second half of the season?

Sedin: To keep playing the game we can. We have four good lines that can score, and we need to get all four lines going. If we do, we’ll continue to play well.