It was probably the most important game of the season for the Vancouver Canucks.

They were playing at home against the defending Stanley Cup champion, the Los Angeles Kings, who were three points behind in the Pacific Division.

Los Angeles jumped out to a 1-0 lead just over a minute into the first period on a goal by Dwight King. 

But the Canucks settled down as the two goalies, Eddie Lack and Jonathan Quick, blocked everything fired their way through the end of the second period.

Nearly halfway through the third frame, Henrik Sedin skated behind the net and threw what appeared to be a blind pass right on the stick of brother Daniel, who rifled a shot over Quick's left shoulder. It was the 700th assist of Henrik's career.

The game remained tied through the end of regulation time and nobody scored during the overtime period.

The shootout didn't start well for Vancouver as Nick Bonino and Radim Vrbata were stymied by Quick. Lack was equally sharp in the Vancouver goal, turning aside shots by Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar.

Then Chris Higgins scored on a deke to his right. When Lack stoned Marian Gaborik, sealing a Canucks victory, the fans went wild at Rogers Arena.

The win keeps Vancouver in second place in the Pacific Division, four points ahead of Los Angeles and Calgary heading into the final week of the season.

Vancouver's two remaining games are at home against Arizona and Edmonton. If the Canucks pick up three points, they're guaranteed a playoff spot even if Calgary and Los Angeles win every game.

But as Vancouverites know, the Canucks are usually at their best against the top teams, and Arizona and Edmonton are the two weakest squads in the division.

So for now, at least, it's still too early to celebrate, even though last night's win may have ensured that the Canucks won't be heading to the golf course this year before the playoffs even begin.