WATCH: The Canucks are cleaning out their lockers today after their season ended Saturday in a game six loss to the Calgary Flames. Rumina Daya reports.
As the Vancouver Canucks made one last trip to Rogers Arena to clear out their lockers this morning, there was the expected downcast air of disappointment.
But the Sedin brothers, Alex Burrows and Alex Edler sat down with members of the media to discuss the season and the team’s playoffs run.
READ MORE: Vancouver Canucks end encouraging season with disappointing loss
Captain Henrik Sedin says they have had a lot of confidence in President Trevor Linden and General Manager Jim Benning this season, and believe that management has a plan going forward.
When asked to explain what that plan entails, Daniel Sedin would not divulge, saying it is up to the management to make the changes that are needed.
“You get to understand that they have a plan and that gives you confidence,” he says.
When it comes to the team’s core, all four agreed the team is not getting any younger and there is a need for new blood.
“You could tell this year what the young guys bring to this team,” says Henrik. “I think you can bring those guys on and still have an expectation to get 101 points. I don’t see that drop-off. It’s the first time since we came in, I think, that I felt excitement with young guys and prospects. If they can come in and be a part of this team, that goes a long way.”
He does not see the team’s core changing in the next couple of years, however.
“We are not getting younger, but I think we can still play. I think we showed it this year,” adds Daniel.
The Sedins say making it into the playoffs is an accomplishment in and off itself, given the recent changes.
Henrik says making the playoffs is never a guarantee and the team needs to get better. “You can’t go into season expecting to make the playoffs anymore. There are a lot of good teams missing out.”
Up until Alex Burrows’ serious injury in Calgary, says Daniel, the team felt “fresh and healthy.”
Speaking about his injury, Burrows says he fractured and dislocated rib cartilage in Game 3. The injury did not leave many treatment options.
Burrows says he had a hard time moving and breathing and was in a lot of pain, but never lost consciousness.
“There was no magic potion that I could take and go back out there and play,” says Burrows. “I was really disappointed I could not help the guys out. You play all year to play in the playoffs, you are looking forward to it and knowing I could not play was crushing for me.”
As disappointing as it is, Daniel Sedin says people should be excited about the team’s future.
“With the young guys coming up, I think they are going to give us a chance to win in the next couple of years,” he adds. “I thought this year was the year we could have done it. That’s why it feels bad to sit here.”
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