Kings Vs. Canucks, Game 3: L.A. Takes 3-0 Series Lead With 1-0 Win

“Daniel has been following the protocol and he’s been cleared to practice with the team so he’s flying in later this afternoon,” head coach Alain Vigneault told reporters in California on Monday. “[His return to the lineup] won’t be my decision. It’s a medical decision and he’s been skating now for quite a few days. They feel that he’s progressed real well and he’s cleared to practice with the team.”

Sedin’s absence from the lineup has had a trickle-down effect on the roster, and while the Canucks face the daunting task of winning four straight playoff games with or without Sedin in the lineup, there’s no doubt their chances are better with their leading scorer on the ice. Game 4 is set for Wednesday evening at the Staples Center.

For more on the Canucks, visit Nucks Misconduct. For updates on the Kings, check out Jewels From the Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.

Luckily, there’s more than one period in a game, and the teams didn’t disappoint for much longer.

It was a scary hit given the result, and it may have been a smidge late, but in terms of the contact, it’s absolutely clean. Shoulder-to-shoulder, not targeting of the head, didn’t charge. A beauty of a hit, and you can certainly see Sedin admiring his pass a bit. Besides, the slow-mo might make it look later than it was:

“We got him, we got him, we got him, we’re gonna hurt him ... aw hamburgers.”

For more on the Canucks, visit Nucks Misconduct. For updates on the Kings, check out Jewels From the Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.

Game time/date: 10:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, April 15, 2012

Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA