Defending Cup champion Kings drop shootout game to Canucks, 2-1

Los Angeles Kings left wing Dwight King, left, sends a shot past Vancouver Canucks goalie Eddie Lack (31) as Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, Monday, April 6, 2015. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward) (The Associated Press)

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Yannick Weber (6) fights for control of the puck with Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, Monday, April 6, 2015. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward) (The Associated Press)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Chris Higgins scored in the shootout and Eddie Lack made 36 saves as the Vancouver Canucks earned a critical late-season victory over the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night.

Daniel Sedin scored in regulation as the Canucks solidified second place in the Pacific Division with 97 points, four ahead of Calgary and the Kings. The Canucks, who now control their playoff destiny, have two games remaining.

Dwight King scored for the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings, who moved into a third-place tie at 93 points with Calgary. However, the Flames own a tiebreaker with more regulation and overtime wins.

Los Angeles also dropped one point behind Winnipeg of the Central Division for the second wild card in the Western Conference.