The defending Stanley Cup champions Chicago Blackhawks are on the verge of elimination after Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks in Game Three of their first-round series.

The Canucks have a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven series heading into Game Four on Tuesday.

Right Wing Mikael Samuelsson scored the game-winner at 6:48 in the third period, after Vancouver goals from Christian Ehrhoff, and Daniel Sedin in the second period.

Canucks' goalie Roberto Luongo finished with 30 saves, and his third-period shutout helped seal the victory.

The Blackhawks got their two goals off power plays, the first coming from Duncan Keith in the first period, and the second coming from Patrick Sharp.

Chicago earned its eight seed in the playoffs on the last day of the regular season, and seem nowhere near the form they were in last season.

Only three teams have come back in a best-of-seven series after losing the first three games.