Canucks F Henrik Sedin Sets up Goal, Hits Post in Loss to Sharks

The Vancouver Canucks dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night, with goals from Markus Granlund and Reid Boucher.

The Vancouver Canucks earned a point in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Not that you’d know it. No one actually watched the game — and that includes president Trevor Linden and general manager Jim Benning.

Instead, the attention of fans turned to social media, as longtime winger Jannik Hansen was traded mid-game. Hansen was scheduled to play alongside Henrik and Daniel Sedin in tonight’s game. But at the last minute, he was pulled out of the lineup:

Then, as the game entered the third period, the trade became official:

For the second time in two days, Canucks fans were bidding farewell to a longtime favorite.

The trade bombshell overshadowed the game somewhat. But for those who continued watching, they saw Vancouver complete another third period comeback to force overtime. Detroit eventually scored a power play winner to steal the extra point.

Final Score:

Canucks Player of the Game:

Detroit took a 2-0 lead in the first period, both goals coming from Frans Nielsen.

Henrik Sedin started the comeback in the second period, with a sweet bank pass to his brother. Daniel fed replacement linemate Markus Granlund in front, who buried it in his first game back from the mumps.

Hank came close to tying the game himself in the third period, but his shot found iron instead of netting:

But Vancouver did manage to get that second goal in the third period. Reid Boucher took the puck to the net, and beat Petr Mrazek in tight for his first goal as a Canuck:

Boucher saw his ice time increase tonight playing on a line with Bo Horvat. The pair had good chemistry, and combined for eight shots.

“Trader Jim” made a shrewd move when he picked up Boucher on waivers. Benning ended up missing his acquisition’s first goal, because he was busy negotiating the Hansen trade.

Though this is a sad day for Canucks fans, the mood is still bright. In less than 36 hours, the general manager has changed the narrative around his team. Rather than pursuing a playoff berth which was well out of reach, Benning appears to have embraced a full rebuild.

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In exchange for two veteran players, the Canucks now have two promising young prospects, plus a draft pick. And fans have renewed hope for the future.