NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Why the Kings Will Ride Momentum to Upset Canucks

Expect the unexpected in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Jonathan Quick and his Los Angeles Kings will outlast the Vancouver Canucks in first round of the NHL postseason.

The Kings found their recipe for success in last night’s 4-2 victory, taking the lead on Dustin Penner’s goal with 3:14 left in the final period.

The eighth seed beat the one seed at home on the first night of the postseason. Who said madness only happens in March?

Don’t let the seeds fool you. This matchup is as evenly matched as it gets.

Look no further than last night’s stat sheet. The Kings dominated the game in every statistical category. They had two scores on the power play, outshot their opponent by 13 and stayed out of the penalty box.

Talk about road warriors.

Los Angeles’ stars were on display and looked like the best players on the ice against the Western Conference's No. 1 seed.

Mike Richards played brilliantly, scoring the Kings' first goal and set up Penner’s in the final period. Goaltender Jonathan Quick gave up an score early, but settled down in a hostile road environment, recording 24 saves.

For a goalie with a 5-8 postseason record, Quick played one of the better games of his career. Strong goaltending wins championships. The Kings’ stopper looked in fine form.

Even more encouraging for Los Angeles was how they responded to an early deficit.

Vancouver got off to a quick start with an Alex Burrow’s goal in the first period, but the Kings didn’t go away. They seized their opportunities on power play chances and took the lead midway through the second period.

In addition, Penner returned to relevancy with his go-ahead score. A four-time 20 goal-scorer, Penner had not registered a point in his last nine games. His reemergence is an added bonus for the Kings’ upset bid.

While the Kings seem to be firing on all cylinders, Vancouver looks like a shell of its self without Daniel Sedin.

The Sedin brothers are the cornerstones of this franchise. Without their spark, the Canucks will need Roberto Luongo to carry them more than ever. And we all know how well that plan went last year. 

With the Canucks struggling to find their identity, this series could end with David slaying Goliath.

After last night’s performance, the Kings have fired with their slingshot. They’ll keep shooting until the Canucks go down.

Then its madness in April.