Henrik's pending record, representing the sheer longevity of his value to the Canucks, comes on the heels of another major individual achievement on the team. When Chris Tanev scored the most dramatic first NHL goal in recent memory earlier this week, the team and, by extension, the entire city was compelled to celebrate the young defenceman.
As far as NHL firsts go, Tanev's goal had a noticeably added flavour to it. Playing in his third NHL season, the milestone was a long time in the making. (Mind you, he achieved the goal in just his 63rd NHL game.). Because Tanev's value to the team had been established so much earlier than his first goal, the milestone yielded that extra level of deservedness.
Now compare Tanev's three-ish years to Henrik's career of service to the Canucks and you can begin to imagine what kind of recognition is due for Vancouver's captain when he eclipses Naslund. Nevermind that he is mired in a slump of two points in the last six games. Canucks fans are notoriously incapable of looking beyond a player's most recent performance, a fact that might shed light on the complete lack of media coverage regarding Henrik's forthcoming record.
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| Two strong games could see Henrik overtake Naslund's franchise-high 756 career points. |
This is one of those rare instances that an achievement can summarize all of a player's contributions to a team. In this case, Henrik's inevitable 757th point might call to mind an Art Ross, a Hart, countless divisional titles and a run to the Finals. Canucks fans have the opportunity to tangibly celebrate the era of success that both Henrik and Daniel have led in this city.
And while all the pomp and glamour and attention just seems so... un-Henrik, Vancouver owes him the melodrama that these kinds of achievements warrant. Anything less would be an insult.
So whether it's a tap-in to Burrows or a one-timer to Edler, make the 757th one memorable, Vancouver. Four to go and counting.
-HC
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