The big news today, if you haven’t heard already, was the return of Daniel Sedin to Canucks practice this morning. He at least claimed to not feel any effects of his concussion, and should everything go smoothly for him at the morning skate tomorrow, he expects to suit up for Game 4. Here’s a link to an article in the Vancouver Sun, which also features some reaction from the Kings. Good to see Doughty come out and say they’re going to try and hit Daniel just like they would any other player, should he actually play in Game 4 of course.
So how should we feel about this? Do we press the panic button and assume a return from Daniel will be enough to spark the Canucks on an amazing run? Personally I don’t think so, for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s just way too convenient that Daniel’s concussion symptoms- previously thought to be keeping him out for at least the two games in Los Angeles, if not the rest of the series- have magically cleared up right at the same time the Canucks find themselves staring at elimination. I’m sorry, I just don’t buy it. If Vancouver wants to put the long-term health of one of their top stars in jeopardy in the name of trying to spark a miracle comeback, I guess that’s their prerogative. But I’m not sure how effective a concussed Daniel Sedin will really be.
Secondly, even if we’re willing to suspend our disbelief and take them at face-value when they say Daniel’s symptoms are gone, that still doesn’t mean he’s going to be a difference-maker. Here’s some of Daniel’s own words from the aforementioned article:
“I haven’t been able to work out so my shape is probably about as low as it has been in five years,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes. Hopefully, I can play on the power play and be a little bit of a difference there. That is my main focus, then if I can chip in five-on-five, I’ll take my chances.”
He hasn’t played or even really practiced regularly in over a month. I’m not sure how effective he’s going to be getting back in that line-up.
So I’m not worried. I still think the Kings have an excellent chance of wrapping this series up tomorrow night, Daniel Sedin or no Daniel Sedin.
What do all of you think? Do you agree, or do you think Daniel’s return is going to be a far more momentous event than I’m giving it credit for?