• Press Box Perspective's Kat Kealy: Henrik Sedin’s 1st 2010 Playoff Goal Game-Winner in the Canucks’ Win in Game 4

The Kings were outshot 37-26 tonight, which is unusual for them. Clearly, limiting shots again is something the Kings will want to work on before facing the Canucks in Vancouver for game 6 on Friday. Getting the Kings’ playoff-leading power play back on track would also be a good thing.

• LA Kings News: Momentum defines Game 4 - Series tied, 2-2

At the end of the night though, game 4 was all about momentum. Each time the Kings tried to take it by extending their lead to 2, Vancouver came back. Each time Vancouver tried to take the momentum after tying the game, the Kings answered and grasped the lead. Tonight however the Kings’ lead was akin to holding water in the palm of your hand – futile.

• Examiner.com's Jon Moncrief: Kings learn tough lesson in Game Four loss 

The Kings committed seven penalties on the night, including getting called for a too many men penalty that led to Salo's goal. They didn't play with the same level of aggressiveness offensively in the third period as they had the previous two. And they let a team they had down and ready to be counted out of the series back up. Learning lessons to be sure for this team, but lessons they can still gain knowledge from and apply quickly as they are even through four games of the series.

• HockeyBuzz's Matthew Barry: Now THAT Was a Playoff Game!

Why can't the Kings just say that Peter Harrold broke his wrist and won't return anytime soon? Did Vancouver fans not enjoy my guarantee? Although Randy Jones didn't make any boneheaded plays tonight, (he was a +1) he WAS still in the lineup and the Kings are now 0-2 with him in it!

• Battle Of California: Kings Gameday, Part IV of III: Oh Well

One goal scored against the Handzus line, one goal scored on the penalty kill, and two goals scored against the Kopitar line. That cost us the game. On the plus side, we probably played our best game for the first two periods. Still haven't played a good game yet, though. And Ryan Smyth has been playing like shit all series. Oh well, boys, you'll get 'em next time.

• Purple Crushed Velvet: Kings 4, Canucks 6: F Word Kings 4, Canucks 6: F Word!

The defense needs to be better and, surprise surprise, the team needs to play better 5-on-5 throughout the entire game. They looked good in the first period at even strength, but they faltered as the game went on.

• Rink Royalty: Who Needs a 7-game Series Anyway?

Will the Kings be able to maintain strong forechecking during the 5 on 5? Not in any significant fashion. They had a few good shifts, but they’ll need a more consistent presence if they’re going to win the series. They gave up 3 even strength goals (four if you count the empty net goal) and that’s just going to be trouble. Add the two PP goals, and that’s a devastating 6 goals against. You’re not going to win many games giving up 6 goals, that’s for sure.

• Jewels From the Crown: Need Positives; Canucks 6, Kings 4 

There were plenty of frustrating aspects in the game, but in these instances, there have to be positives to latch on to in order to make the last three games ones to look forward to. Myself? I'm staying positive because there were times in the regular season where the Kings faltered in the third period, but they were always able to get their play back on track in subsequent games.

• Inside Hockey's Brian Kennedy: Within the Grasp and Gone Within the Grasp and Gone

All’s not lost for the Kings, however, with the series simply tied at 2-2. But the sense is that having blown three leads and a tie in this pivotal game, there’s not much chance that they can come back from BC to win the thing Sunday. If they prevail Friday, though, that’s exactly the scenario that will present itself. If not, then it’s up to the Kings to win at home Sunday to prolong the series to seven games.

Related Game 4 links

• Kings succumb to Canucks's speed, drop Game 4

• From Across the Aisle; the Vancouver viewpoint

• Peeping the Dailies: Game Four videos

• Hockeywood Insider Playoff Special: Game 4