Vancouver Canucks take on the Los Angeles Kings live on Monday night in NHL action at 10:30 PM ET.
The Los Angeles Kings pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent NHL history last season after defeating the Vancouver Canucks. Those two teams will revive their new rivalry for the first time since the postseason on Monday night in California at the Staples Center.
The Kings were the eighth seed and pulled an upset over the top ranked Canucks, who had the best record in the Western conference. The team used the momentum to win the franchises first Stanley Cup. It was also the first time the lowest seed has won the Cup
The Kings were extremely impressive along the way, defeating each of Western Conference's division winners to win the championship. The 2013 season started off slowly for Los Angeles, who got their first win on Saturday, defeating Phoenix 4-2.
Star center Anze Kopitar looked healthy after starting the year with a knee injury, scoring his first two goals of the year.
"There was no fire underneath me, but it was nice to get (the first goals and points) out of the way. You definitely think about it," Kopitar told the team's official website. "We wanted to get off to a good start. We talked about it and we planned for it. But it's been a little bit of a struggle."
Kopitar has been the top player for the Kings over the past five seasons, leading the team in goals and points. Last year he scored 25 goals and 76 points to lead the team and he has been excellent against Vancouver in the past, scoring eight points in nine games.
The Kings have struggled mightily on the power play and have yet to convert and score. The Canucks will be looking to rebound after a 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.
The Canucks will be heading out on a three game road trip and are 2-2-1 on the season. Daniel Sedin has been the top scorer for the team with six points, while the pentalty kill unit has struggled, ranking 28th in the NFL. The Canucks are ranked 18th in goals per game and
The Kings will rely heavily on Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick, who has 31 saves in the game against the Coyotes. Last season he posted a 1.59 goals-against average and a shutout against Vancouver in the playoffs. The Canucks will counter with Cory Schneider or Roberto Luongo, who lost his starting job against the Kings after struggling in the playoffs.
The Canucks struggled on the power play against the Sharks, going 0 for 7 after converting 6 of 22 tries in the first four games.
"Power play wasn't as good," coach Alain Vigneault told the league's official website.
The Sedin brothers will be a primary focus for the Kings. Henrik Sedin has played well at the Staples Center, notching five points in the playoffs as well as one in each of the last six in LA.
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