Coyotes watch as Sedin brothers write storybook ending in Vancouver

VANCOUVER — This was the kind of loss the Arizona Coyotes can’t feel too bad about the next day.

The Coyotes battled in an emotionally-charged atmosphere Thursday night in Vancouver, as Canucks stars Daniel and Henrik Sedin played the final home game of their NHL careers in storybook fashion.

Daniel Sedin scored his second goal of the night in overtime on a pass from Henrik to complete a 4-3 Canucks comeback that sent fans wild like it was Game 7 of the Cup finals.

Arizona lead 3-1 heading into the third period, but couldn’t contain a Canucks team playing with determination to send the Sedins off with a win after announcing earlier in the week they plan to retire at the end of the season.

Vancouver outshot the Coyotes 15-1 in the final period to force extra time. 

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“Obviously it’s weird to stand here and say that you are happy for them,” said Coyotes defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who played with the Sedins on the Swedish Olympic team. “But I think we didn’t play good enough to win the game and that’s the bottom line. You saw that their team played for them and that’s how much they mean to that team and organization.”

It was the final road game of the season for the Coyotes (27-40-12), who are last in the Western Conference, two points back of the Canucks.

Christian Fischer, Derek Stepan, Dylan Strome each scored for Arizona, while Darcy Kuemper made 36 saves on 40 shots.

Coyotes veteran forward Brad Richardson, a former Canuck and Sedin linemate, was on the ice for Sedin’s winning goal in OT. Despite the loss, he couldn’t help but admire the way the game finished.

“You never want to lose, but I’m not shocked by the way it ended,” said Richardson. “It seems like that’s the fitting way it should end for them. But I didn’t want it to happen.”

Henrik and Daniel Sedin played their entire career in Vancouver, starting with the 2000-2001 season. They combined for over 2,600 games and 2,100 points and each have Art Ross Trophies to name only a few of their many impressive accomplishments.

Arizona head coach Rick Tocchet came away from the game in awe of the Sedins and the spectacle of countless standing ovations reminded him of important it is to make the most of your NHL career.

“Don’t take any game for granted or your playing career because it goes by quick,” said Tocchet. “That’s the lesson.”

The Coyotes return to play their season finale at home Saturday against playoff-bound Anaheim. Vancouver will play its final game the same night in Edmonton.

Jason Keller, The Canadian Press