The Vancouver Canucks experienced an unexpected blow without playing a single game in the Stanley Cup playoffs.Defenceman Brent Sopel, acquired at the trading deadline from the Los Angeles Kings for added depth, was ruled out of Game 1 on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars due to back spasms.The Canucks instead will use another journeyman, the often under-rated Rory Fitzpatrick, who was second on the team in plus-minus ratings during the National Hockey League regular season. Fitzpatrick was plus-12 for goals scored at even strength when he was on the ice.Fitzpatrick will be partnered with Lukas Krajicek until Sopel's back improves. Canucks coach Alain Vigneault made light of the situation following the morning skate, saying [he] hurt his back Tuesday when bending over at home to pick up a cracker.