Carter leads LA Kings past Canucks in shootout

"It's a short year, and you want to bank as many points as you can," said Luongo, who got benched in favor of Schneider during last season's playoff series. "We were in control tonight, and it's disappointing."

The clubs hadn't met since the eighth-seeded Kings eliminated the Presidents' Trophy-winning Canucks in five games before romping through the next three rounds to the title.

Although Los Angeles handily won the clubs' playoff series last spring, a 111-point Vancouver team arguably gave the Kings their toughest test during their 16-4 rampage through the postseason. The Kings persevered through several tight games against Vancouver, capped by an overtime victory in the Game 5 clincher.

The Kings got blown out by Chicago in their banner-raising season opener before winning once on a three-game road trip. Los Angeles finally returned home to face the Canucks, who made their second appearance in Southern California already this season after routing Anaheim last week.

Vancouver already had a 2-0 lead when the Kings ended their 0-for-25 start on the power play this season.

Kassian scored late in the first period when Quick allowed a rebound of Edler's long shot from the point out of a faceoff, easily knocking home his fourth goal in six games to start the season. Burrows then came from behind the net early in the second period and sneaked the puck between the post and Quick's skate.

"That's my fault," Quick said. "He had it on his backhand, and as he pulled it to his forehand, he opened his blade a little, and I bit on the (possible) pass."

The Kings finally ended their man-advantage drought when Carter scored out of a faceoff just 7 seconds after Chris Tanev went off for high-sticking.

NOTES: Kings F Dustin Penner was a healthy scratch for the third straight game. Coach Darryl Sutter wasn't pleased with the two-time Stanley Cup champion's early efforts. ... Canucks C Manny Malhotra returned to the lineup after missing two games following the birth of his son. Andrew Ebbett was scratched. ... Kings captain Dustin Brown played in his 600th NHL game, all with Los Angeles ... The Kings welcomed their 25 millionth fan to Staples Center, presenting season tickets and a wealth of merchandise to 21-year-old Dustin Kramer of Torrance, Calif.