The Los Angeles Kings knocked off Vancouver 2-1 (OT) in Game 5 of their Western Conference final, winning the series four games to one.
It’s a stunning exit for the back-to-back Presidents’ Trophy winners, especially since they came with a game of winning last year’s Stanley Cup final.
To the autopsy...
What happened?
Vancouver couldn’t solve Jonathan Quick. The Kings goalie allowed just eight goals over the course of the series and finished with a sparkling .957 save percentage.
The Canucks’ offense was sparked somewhat by Daniel Sedin’s Game 4 return, but it was too little too late given their 0-3 series deficit.
(So, you could say Duncan Keith’s elbow happened as well.)
Who takes the blame?
Secondary scorers, or lack thereof. The Canucks got four total points from Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins, David Booth, Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond -- a quintet that combined for 183 in the regular season.
Vancouver’s power play left much to be desired as well. It opened the series 0-for-14 (allowing a pair of shorthanded goals), playing a huge role in the Canucks losing the first three games.
What will they do about it?
There has been much speculation that head coach Alain Vigneault’s job will be in jeopardy. There are also real questions about the future of Roberto Luongo in Vancouver, especially after he was replaced by backup Cory Schneider...who is now essentially the new No. 1.
Fans probably won’t burn the city down, though. That’s so 2011.
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