VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 14 (UPI) -- Roberto Luongo made 32 saves Wednesday in recording his second post-season shutout and top-seeded Vancouver began the playoffs with a 2-0 win over Chicago.
The Canucks, which for the first time in franchise history have entered the playoffs with the best record in the NHL, shackled the defending Stanley Cup champions. Chicago did not secure its playoff berth until the final day of the regular season.
Both Vancouver goals came in the opening period. Christopher Higgins and Jannik Hansen scored 3 minutes apart and Vancouver then turned things over to Luongo, who collected his second playoff save in 35 starts.
Corey Crawford, appearing in his first post-season game, stopped 31-of-33 shots for the Blackhawks.
Vancouver will host the second game of the Western Conference quarterfinal series Friday.
