Daniel Sedin's Return Sparks Canucks Past Kings

Daniel Sedin's Return Sparks Canucks Past Kings
Ed Condran

Los Angeles, CA

After being out for quite some time due to concussion, Daniel Sedin returned and his presence helped spark the Vancouver Canucks' 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center.

Sedin, who was back on ice for Game 4 of this Western Conference quarterfinal series, posted an assist and three shots for the victors.

The defending Western Conference champion Canucks still trail the Kings 3-1 and will look to keep the series going when they host Game 5 Sunday.

Sedin, who returned to practice only a day earlier after suffering a concussion following a hit to the head from Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith during a March 21 contest, was on the ice for all three Vancouver goals Wednesday.

Though a little bit rusty, his return to the lineup not only sparked his teammates, but it also re-established his immutable connection with his twin and linemate, Henrik Sedin, who went on to tally only his second goal in 27 games.

Daniel Sedin, Vancouver's top-goal scorer, had hand on brother Henrik's third-period goal on the man-advantage, as the top-seeded Canucks' finally got its power play going by scoring twice on three opportunities.

Vancouver was 0-for-14 in power play in the first three contests.

Defensemen Alexander Edler and Kevin Bieksa also lit the lamp for the Canucks, who avoided becoming the first team in the post-expansion era to get eliminated in the first round after capturing the President's Trophy.

Cory Schneider, who took over the struggling Roberto Luongo in between the pipes, finished with 43 saves.

Anze Kopitar provided the lone offense for the Kings, who were trying to become the 10th No. 8 seed to upset a No. 1-seeded team since the current playoff format began in 1994.

Jonathan Quick had 27 saves in defeat.