Canucks Crowned by Kings in LA

The Vancouver Canucks came into Los Angeles to try and extend their 4 game win streak, but the Kings had something else in mind. LA jumped out to a 2-0 lead and the Canucks were never able to recover.

Jarett Stoll scored two power play goals to lead the Kings to their third straight win, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. With the win, LA finds themselves just 3 points out of a playoff spot with 16 games remaining in the 2008-2009 regular season.

The final score was 3-2 and Stoll's second goal of the game stood up as the winner and was also the former Edmonton Oiler’s first game winning goal of the season. Alex Burrows and Taylor Pyatt made it close for Vancouver.

This was the first time in 8 games that Captain Roberto Luongo had allowed more than 2 goals. He had won 12 of his last 13 starts following a tough first 5 games returning from injury.

Despite the loss, the Canucks still sit in 5th spot in the Western Conference.  They remain 4 points ahead of the 6th place Columbus Blue Jackets.  The Canucks also have a couple of games in hand.  It was, however, a squandered opportunity to move to within 3 points of the idle Chicago Blackhawks, who sit in 4th place. The difference between 4th and 5th is significant as the 4th place team would have home ice advantage in the first round. 

The Canucks will remain in California to play the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday before returning home on Friday for a rematch with the Kings.  The Ducks, much like the Kings, are another team battling for their playoff lives.  While the Ducks are in 11th spot at the moment, they are only 2 points out of 8th place.  Things are likely going to stay tight for a while.