VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Los Angeles Kings say they’re sorry.

One day after opening their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks with a 4-2 victory, the Kings found themselves backtracking from a playful jab on Twitter. The team’s official account posted a message saying: “To everyone in Canada outside of BC, you’re welcome.”

That didn’t sit well with senior members of the organization, especially after all the attention it generated.

“We encourage our digital team to be creative, interactive and to apply a sense of humor whenever possible,” Kings spokesman Mike Altieri said. “To anyone who found it offensive we sincerely apologize.”

The Canucks have drawn criticism the last few seasons in which they captured the Presidents’ Trophy in back-to-back years and fell one game short of the Stanley Cup in 2011.

In October, CBC commentator Don Cherry added to the chorus by saying Vancouver was disliked because the players whine at officials.

The team had the best record in the NHL this season and entered the series with Los Angeles a heavy favorite. Game 2 is Friday night in Vancouver.