Rich Lam
Canucks v. Kings
Game 3
Staples Center
Vancouver
1. Discipline. The Canucks have taken some stupid penalties -- head coach Alain Vigneault admitted as much on Monday morning. After allowing four power-play goals in two games, the dumb-dumb fouls must cease.
2. Road team. Vancouver hasn't been a good one. Had just 19 regular-season wins, second worst among playoff teams (Ottawa, 18). The Canucks tend to play timidly when away from GM Place.
Los Angeles
1. Learning curve. The young Kings looked like playoff neophytes in Game 1. In Game 2, they took a huge step forward in terms of comfort. If they take a similar step forward in Game 2, the Canucks are in trouble.
2. Bad ice. It was horrible for Vancouver's morning skate. Perhaps the Kings are accustomed to a slushy, slow surface. If so, that could be a tactical advantage.