It has been an eventful year for former University of Maine All-America center Dave Capuano.

One of the highlights was his first-period goal in his first Stanley Cup playoff game Thursday evening as his Vancouver Canucks upset the Smythe Division champion Los Angeles Kings 6-5.

But he has also had to deal with a paternity suit filed by a Salt Lake City woman, which has yet to be settled, and arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Through it all, the 22-year-old Capuano racked up 13 goals and 31 assists in 61 games and was plus-one in his first full season in the NHL.

Capuano, who said his left knee feels great, has been playing right wing on a line centered by youngster Petr Nedved. Veteran Sergio Momesso is the left wing.

Another former Bear, right winger Jay Mazur, is also playing for the Canucks after missing several games with compartment syndrome (swollen shin). Mazur had 11 goals and 7 assists in 36 regular-season games and was a plus-three. He did not register a point in Thursday’s win.

Two other former Maine defensemen, Eric Weinrich and Bob Beers, are also playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Weinrich had an assist on Peter Stastny’s third-period game-winner in New Jersey’s 3-1 upset win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. Weinrich had 4 goals and 34 assists in 76 regular season games and finished at plus-10.

Beers played in 16 games for the Bruins and had one assist. He was minus-8. Beers, who played 36 games for the AHL’s Maine Mariners after recuperating from a broken leg, did not register a point in Boston’s 5-2 loss to Hartford on Wednesday.

Capuano said Thursday night’s game was fun.

“I was pretty happy with the way everything went last night,” said Capuano. “Our line played well and when we do, it really helps the team. We had a lot of chances. We kept the puck in the L.A. end a lot. We played against (Wayne) Gretzky’s line a lot in the third period, and we were in their zone most of the period.”

Not only did Capuano convert a Momesso rebound, he also hit the crossbar with the score tied 5-5 late in the third period.

“It’s a great line to be on,” said Capuano. “Mo (Momesso) and I complement each other really well. He can really shoot the puck. Petr is getting better and better all the time. He has a lot of talent.”

Opposing teams usually put their checking line against Vancouver’s Trevor Linden line and that gives the other lines more offensive opportunities, explained Capuano.

“And if we get a few of our other lines scoring, that gives Trevor’s line more room to operate,” added Capuano.

Capuano said he wasn’t nervous Thursday.

“I was pretty relaxed. I had more jitters in the playoff run when we were trying to get in and we played Winnipeg (3-2 overtime win),” said Capuano.

Capuano said he has been able to put the paternity suit out of his mind even though it still lurks.

“I try not to let it bother me,” said Capuano. “I’ve put it behind me.”

Capuano would like to contribute more goals – he thinks he has been looking to pass too much – and he thinks the Canucks can win the series.

“If we win on Saturday night, we’ll be in great position,” said Capuano.