Canucks Play of the Week: Daniel's Slap Beats the Caps

Game: Canucks vs. Washington Capitals (Nucks Misconduct recap)

Date: October 28, 2013

The Play:

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The significance:

I have been really busy lately, so in addition to posting this a day late I am skipping the usual POTW "breakdown." But really, in terms of both aesthetics and tactics, this beautiful goal speaks for itself, no?

But why is this play so significant? Well, in addition to being yet another example of the Sedins' ridiculous cycling abilities - to say nothing of the growing body of evidence that Ryan Kesler is an amazing complement to the twins' skill sets - the goal helped kick the week off right, standing as the winner in a Monday night matchup against the Capitals. Back home after a 7-game road trip, the Canucks fell behind 2-1 early in the 3rd period. But after Kesler replied quickly to tie it, Daniel iced the game with this beauty to secure a 3-2 victory. This win helped propel the Canucks to a 2-1 week, which included a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings and an epic 4-0 win over the Maple Leafs.

I also think it is worth highlighting Daniel Sedin's slap shot, an under-appreciated aspect of his offensive repertoire. It is not the hardest shot in the world, but it seems to be effective when he uses it (or perhaps I just take note because I don't associate him with having a monster slapper). How satisfying was it to see Daniel turn the corner, drive to the net, and blast that puck home? It was a beautiful goal to clinch a nice win.

Honourable mention: The 1-0 and winning goal against Toronto, also scored by Daniel Sedin (though Henrik Sedin's shot just went in off of him) on a fantastic tip-pass by Ryan Kesler:

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