Back in 2002, a dominating Detroit Red Wings team ran through the NHL playoffs, eventually taking care of the Carolina Hurricanes in five games. In their opening round series, the Red Wings were tested by a young Canucks team featuring then 22-year-old twins, Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
As the physical Red Wings bullied their way into the second round, then 'Nucks general manager Brian Burke went off an entertaining tirade, informing us that "Sedin is not Swedish for punch me or headlock me in a scrum."
Fast-forward nine years later, and the Sedin twins are still taking copious amounts of abuse, most recently Brad Marchand using Daniel's head as a speed bag.
According to the Vancouver Sun, current Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis is taking the route of a politician and refusing to pull a "Burkie."
"I know the respect I have for those two players as people first and as players, and that's all that matters to me," Gillis told the Vancouver Sun. "I can't think for other people and try and figure out how they're making decisions. All I do is evaluate people based on what I know. I have the highest regard for them. If someone else doesn't, I would have issue with that, but for me I have the highest regard for them."
With the defeat at the hands of the rough Red Wings and their current play against the big bad Bruins (the Sedin twins have combined for two goals this Stanley Cup), it's safe to say that this physical style of play is a key ingredient to slowing the twins and defeating the Canucks.
