Canucks coach explains shunning Sedins in shoot-out
When the Vancouver Canucks fell 2-1 in a shootout to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday 9 October, it might have left a few people scratching their head. Despite being the team's leading scorers and on
ice leaders, neither Sedin twin, Henrik or Daniel, was to be seen taking one of the team's penalty shots. Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault instead gave the responsibility to Mason Raymond and Ryan Kesler, who both missed, with a third shooter not required
by virtue of the Kings scoring their first two shots.
Coach Vigneault explained why the Sedins aren't used more in the shootout.
"Look at their stats," he said. "They're great players on the ice when there's opposition in front of them, but when they seem to be alone against the goaltender it just seems to be a little more challenging
for whatever reason. It doesn't mean we're not going to use them. Sometimes players like that find a way in pressure situations to get it done. But their stats, shootout-wise, have not been very good."
The Canucks' newly appointed captain, Henrik, was asked whether or not he and his brother should be used more often in the penalty shootout situation.
"At first I was more of a passer so I think that's where that came from," he said. "We've got the guys who can do the job. We've got a good enough team to win in shootouts, but we have to get better."
The statistics seem to reveal all. Neither brother was given the responsibility even once last season, and Henrik has missed the two opportunities he's had in his career while brother Daniel is a paltry 3-for-16
in his career in the shootout.
The Canucks have a losing record in shootouts since the NHL instituted the rule back in 2005-06 with 22 wins and 29 losses.
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