VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Can the Vancouver Canucks surprise again?

That's the question heading into Monday's contest between the hometown Canucks (5-3-0) and the visiting Washington Capitals (3-2-2).

The Canucks were expected to struggle from the get-go of this National Hockey League season, but they have managed to beat tough opponents in Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay, among others. Vancouver's latest feat was an overtime victory at home over Boston, which always sparks emotions due to its triumph in seven games over the Canucks in the 2011 Stanley Cup finals.